I have some questions about hardening of the arteries and was hoping someone familiar with it could contact me

Question

My father was diagnosed with hardening of the arteries in 2000. He had brain surgery in 1996 and his pituitary gland was completely killed off by the radiation. No one ever checked that until he had crazy symptoms...including high cholesterol that would not go down with meds. Needless to say, he now takes coumadin and levoxyl (as well as numerous other meds). He is 61. He was told that he has hardening of the arteries due to the 4 years of high cholesterol, on top of a lifetime of smoking and bad eating habits. Now, every time he has an ache or pain, he thinks he is dying because he thinks the hardening is a death sentence. I don't know enough about it but am going to begin going to his doc appts b/c he does not give you the whole story. Back in 2000, he had lost control over one side of his body due to this, but then they diagnosed it and gave him the meds and it never happened again. I do know this is irreversible but would like to know what questions to ask tomorrow. Thanks

Answer 1

Hardening of the Arteries, Atherosclerosis can start at the young age of 25! Obviously high saturated fat diet, smoking and little exercise are all key components. The Cholesterol Drugs, their are a few should help along with a low fat diet and exercise. Some people can reduce the cholesterol on just a low fat diet, others need both, diet, drugs and lifestyle changes. Research is focusing on 'fish oils' so you might like to ask about this addition along with low fat diet, perhaps being sent to a Dietitian who can monitor the situation and give good pointers.