BVE553

Ok, here’s the story. I am a fairly active 39 year old woman, 5'1" and 180lbs (20 lbs put on in last year) My mom died in December from complications from CHF. That, and my family history (grandfather died of MI at 53, cousin at 49, uncle had pig valves at 50) and some issues I’ve been having led me to my dr. I had previously been diagnosed with asthma, and had shortness of breath and wheezing after exercise, but all my breathing tests (even when in bad shape) came out normal. I was prescribed Advair (varying doses, depending on symptom control) and albuterol for episodes. I went to my internist concerned that it was not asthma causing my shortness of breath, but my heart.

He did an ekg (normal), and my O2 levels are always in the 90s, even when sick. He also ordered some tests to get a baseline for any cardiac issues in the future. He did not expect to find anything out of order, except cholesterol which has been an issue for me since I was a skinny 15 year old.

I got my results from the lab - doctor is out of town until next monday.

CRP (high sensitivity) 9.2
Lipoprotein a 171
Cholesterol 296, Triglycerides 115, HDL 54, LDL 219

One other piece of info – at a regular eye doctor visit last week, she did an Optomap picture (as she does yearly) and discovered that I had retinopathy. So I was tested for diabetes as well, which I don’t seem to have (fasting glucose 91, A1C 5.5.)

Also, I do not have high blood pressure - always around 110/70.

I am horrified by the results. I feel like I'm a walking time bomb. I have 2 little boys and I'm terrified of what this can all mean for me.

Any insight is appreciated.