Starting Thanksgiving or so 2002 I noticed a feeling in my throat similar to the allergy effects I get in the spring. I also noticed a slight shortness in breath. January 2003 I went to cardiologist and after catherization was told I had three blockages in my heart, 98% for two and 90% for the third. These blockages were described by my Dr. as being in the back of the heart and he suggested trying diet, exercise and medication because if stents did not work the operation would be major as would the recovery. My weight was 280 (I am 5'11" and my high was 296) my cholesterol was not that bad, low 200's but my triglycerides were in the 400's and had been tested in the 600's some period before.
Now what I consider the rest of the story - I have modified what I eat some but not that radical, I try to only eat at meal time. I started Lipitor, Plavix and Toprol. But also I was sent to heart rehab where I became familiar with my heart rate and the goal of increasing my conditioning so I could do more in the target heart range. I started slow and built on that, I built up my endurance in the gym and after 18 mos. the big break happened and I started riding outside. I am 60 years old and last October rode and completed my first 100 mile ride. (I am addicted to riding and do pound away at it, did 100K on my own Saturday) Last night I weighed 174 last night and by the end of 2003 my cholesterol was in the 90's my ldl 64 (my HDL is low) and best of all my Triglycerides have consitantly been in the 70's. A book I read and put a lot of faith in says training has but limited benefit and I am certain that is the quality of the life we have here, I in hindsight credit exercise (and a wife who allows me the time to pursue it) with giving me that quality. I credit BICYCLING with giving me a way to know I will keep on keeping on with the exercise that gives me this improved quality.