#36: Heart Disease Risk - My Journey with Lipoprotein(a)
Oct 3, 2024
auto_awesome
At 41, the host discovers a genetic predisposition to heart disease, challenging their perception of a healthy lifestyle. They delve into their high lipoprotein(a) levels, sharing biomarker insights and unexpected health scan results. The journey emphasizes the emotional aspects of confronting potential cardiac issues and the commitment to proactive health measures. The host explores treatment options, lifestyle changes, and the importance of early detection, inspiring listeners to take charge of their own health journeys.
The discovery of high lipoprotein(a) levels revealed the importance of early detection for heart disease beyond just healthy lifestyle choices.
Navigating the emotional journey of health challenges highlighted the significance of education and proactive management strategies for heart disease.
Deep dives
Surprising Biomarkers and Heart Disease Risk
Despite leading what was considered a healthy lifestyle, the discovery of elevated lipoprotein A levels revealed a significant risk for heart disease. This genetic marker, which runs in the speaker's family history, poses challenges that lifestyle changes alone cannot mitigate. Traditional wellness habits, including exercise, sleep, and diet, proved insufficient against the underlying genetic predisposition toward heart conditions. This serves as a reminder that heart disease can affect younger individuals, making early detection and awareness essential for preventative measures.
Navigating Emotional Turmoil and Acceptance
Upon receiving alarming health results, the speaker experienced a whirlwind of emotions, including denial and anger. Gradually, acceptance led to a determination to better understand heart disease and formulate a proactive health management plan. This emotional journey underscored the importance of adapting to health challenges and highlighted the power of education in making informed health decisions. By sharing this experience, the speaker emphasizes that acknowledging and confronting health issues can pave the way for effective strategies to combat them.
Combining Lifestyle Changes with Medical Interventions
The speaker recognizes that managing heart disease risk necessitates a blend of lifestyle adjustments and medical intervention, including the use of PCSK9 inhibitors. While committing to a healthier diet and regular exercise, they also address the need for medication to effectively manage cholesterol levels. Statins and new medications like PCSK9 inhibitors can lower risk factors significantly, providing critical support for longevity goals. This comprehensive approach highlights the necessity of customizing strategies based on individual needs and ongoing health evaluations for long-term success.
At 41, I learned I was at high risk for heart disease despite what I thought was a healthy lifestyle. When I was diagnosed with high levels of lipoprotein(a)—a genetic risk factor—I decided to document my year-long journey of understanding and managing the condition. In the episode, I share my biomarker test results, explore heart disease risks, and discuss my lifestyle and medication plans. This experience has underscored the importance of early detection and taking control of my health.
Read the full essay https://mikekarnj.com/posts/tackling-high-lipoproteina-my-heart-health-journey.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:30 My Genetic Risk
02:01 Background
03:15 Test Results
04:47 Breakdown
07:31 DEXA Scan
09:17 Taking Action
13:49 Treatment
17:09 Mindset Shifts
18:28 My Plan
20:00 Follow-Up Results
23:21 Reflecting
Podcast
I am the ex-founder of Skillshare, and now exploring what's next. The Karnjanaprakorn Show (TKS) follows my journey as I chat with others who are taking unique approaches to business and life. Learn more about me: https://mikekarnj.com
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode