Quote (mykromisfit @ Jun 12 2015 03:46am)
I went in yesterday for a stress test, I'm 29, 5'9", 178lbs +/- water weight. Kinda chubby still i guess, better than the 205 i was looking at a year and a half ago. The doctor said I did great on the physical part walking and running on the treadmill, i went to the level 4 max then he bumped it up to 7mph running uphill for 1.5minutes extra to get my heart rate up to 185.
I recently had bloodwork done too, everything came back excellent, cholesterol, blood pressure, ....getting all my nutrients and stuff they said im in pretty good health for my age group.
Anyway the scans they did on my heart with the radioactive juice that absorbs in my bloodstream came back not so good. Normally they said 55-65% is typical,(mind you these tests are designed for 60-80yr old people, doc never said the test was for my age group) but i guess my heart is only working at 47%. They have me slated to go back in july 8th to find out where the blockages/ restrictions are.
My parents both died in their 40's, dad was 43, mom was 48. Both cardiac arrest. My dad suffered half a dozen before he passed but my mom only had one. Doctors were too slow figuring out wtf was wrong. That in mind I figured I better get checked and its good that I did, obviously.
So I have a few questions I should have asked the doctor probably but didnt think of it in time.
1-Does the reduced bloodflow hinder potential gains in the gym? The doctor said I should definitely keep on working out, the nurse practicioner said it probably wouldnt matter if i quit tobacco(did last month anyway) and worked out and ate healthy, it could be hereditary and theres nothing I can do...i wanted to smack her lol.
2-would it help or hurt to double dose on some creatine, maybe dilate the arteries and veins to promote better bloodflow? I typically drink 8-10 17oz bottles of water a day.
3- are there any ways at all to help my situation? Natural supplements , daily life practices, anything. Its almost like I'm looking at a 15 year death sentence, +/-.
Firstly, it's unfortunate to hear about your parents.
I hope you're coping well in life.
1. Blood flow delivers nutrients and oxygen to other parts of the body. Hindering it = deprivation. Deprivation = MASS problems. Tobacco contributes to this greatly and I recommend stopping it also - I used to be a tobacco smoker for 3 years and I stopped it cold turkey for my wife and for our health & future. If your medical issue something hereditary, you can at least take the optimistic approach and do everything you can to put yourself in the best situation.
My father's family has a big history with high cholesterol including my father himself who is on regulated prescribed medicine. I had borderline high cholesterol, but since lowered it down to 200 from 242. Just from smarter eating, moderation and the same exercise and a positive mind-set I was able to bring it to normal.
2. I am a former non-pro powerlifter and can tell you that supplements are not necessary for your current goals. Right now you want to focus on cardiovascular strength and eliminating anything that interferes with your oxygen potential (smoking, tobacco, unhealthy eating).
3. Nitric Oxide would be a better alternative, since it actually helps dilate and make blood-flow easier. I suggest you read this:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/36896-side-effects-nitric-oxide-/ Creatine is fine, but imo you don't need it. The NO2 supplement will support you, but essentially you need to stop hindering yourself from living a healthier life and look at the flaws in your current lifestyle and eliminate them. Right now, your flaws are your bad habits and mind set.
You need to create that goal, envision it and practice a healthy mindset knowing that you are going to be healthy and o.k. Focus more on your cardiovascular workouts - distance, endurance and getting that heart rate up constantly.
Diet: Eat what makes you happy, but be smart about it. If you work out hard, enjoy something indulgent over the weekend. Focus on getting the most nutrients in your body; vegetables being one of the most important.