10/26/2025
My favorite report cards, my medical test results. It may seem odd, but I prepared for a year with healthy habits and hope my scores will reflect my efforts. I assume they are nothing but stellar. Anything other will startle most eager patients as one recently did for me.
Annually, my doctor monitors potential damaging effects to my organs due to a long term autoimmune condition. Within hours of a recent test for the lungs my doctor prescribed a statin drug to fend off a potential heart attack due to a diagnosis of "Moderate Coronary Artery Disease/CAD". From checking my lungs to a heart issue I gasped and adamantly questioned the results. I declinined taking medication until we confirmed the test's accuracy. After completing more diagnostic tests such as a cardiac stress echocardiogram and the more detailed Cardiac CT scan, the diagnosis downgraded to a "minimal risk for heart attack". They confirmed my heart muscle is strong and no statin drug needed at this time. Phew!
Was my reaction just a form of denial or did this ignite my intuition to question the testing process, the interpretation by a stranger, and a prescription by my doctor who I respect?
Regardless, I believe this was my warning and to accept it as a gift. I have since researched for many hours new and traditional recommendations on how to prevent any further advancement of clogged heart plumbing, the coronary arteries.
Understanding the arteries locations, flow patterns and purpose was my 101 before the protocols.
Your Heart's Own Plumbing System:
The Coronary Arteries are the branches and suppliers for oxygenated blood to the actual heart. When the lower left chamber (ventricle) of the heart muscle contracts, known as Systole, it sends blood through the largest artery of the body, the Aorta. Then it sends oxygenated blood to the body. When it relaxes, the coronary arteries fill up to feed oxygenated blood to the heart during the resting stage, known as Diastole.
These arteries are vital for the heart muscle to be strong and healthy to then circulate blood in and out of it's 4 chambers as it receives and sends blood to the lungs and body. When they are blocked, vital oxygen is prevented from reaching our heart muscle, which in turn depletes other organs from receiving oxygenated blood to perform their actions.
Keep your plumbing lines clear, flexible, and strong so they may be healthy like finely tuned strings and pathways for the heart and body to perform like powerful instruments for a quality life. Your medical professionals, and your personal knowledge and wisdom will best advise what are appropriate steps you can take for prevention and treatment when needed for a healthy heart.  Seek proven methods in addition or instead of pharmaceuticals that may work too with less or no side effects.
My simple protocol is remembering that what goes in through me affects what my body gives back to me. Take in clean air and water, quality food, natural light, move and circulate your whole body to prevent stagnation of energy, rest when needed, induce calm thoughts and positive surroundings, and always know your body is programmed to keep you alive. Help it do it's job well.
Happy Heart,
Gina 💓