I'm trying to understand my husband's heart problems

[Cornell]

And yet, from American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, "Rice intake and type 2 diabetes in Japanese men and women: the Japan Public Health Center–based Prospective Study"

Although the prevalence of obesity [body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2 ) .30] in the Japanese is lower than in Westerners (Japan: 3% in both men and women; United States: 31% in men and 33% in women) (3), the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Japanese populations is not dramatically lower than that in Western populations (Japan: 7.3%; United Kingdom: 4.9%; United States: 12.3%)​

​

This metastudy is a few years old, and it's difficult to compare populations because the definition of "having diabetes" varies by time and location. It's a very compelling subject though. I doubt we'll find a complete answer in the next 20 years, but I know that whatever else, it's going to be part genetic, part behavioral, and I think less dependent on food intake and exercise than we want to believe.

Super interesting - thank you for this.

 

[Panina]

I think there is lots we do not understand on how the body works.

I can tell you from my own experience, I can exercise the same, eat the same and when my stress levels are high I gain weight quickly. No doctor could explain, one has her own theory that certain chemical levels in my body increase that are similar to cortisone which I swelled from horribly when I was given a shot.

Most doctors, including my sister thinks I just stuff the food in my face, which I don’t.

I just know when I have minimal stress weight just comes off or my body weight stays level.

My theory is a bit different, being both my grandparents and parents went thru starvation periods because of the war, my bodies genetics looks at stress as starvation is coming and holds on to it all.

Now with all this said, nothing is scientific and there is a fine line. We need to make sure excuses are not made for those who really are not doing what they are suppose to because standard protocols work for the majority. But there are real exceptions to the norm and medically they are often overlooked.

 

[VacationForever]

And yet, from American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, "Rice intake and type 2 diabetes in Japanese men and women: the Japan Public Health Center–based Prospective Study"

Although the prevalence of obesity [body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2 ) .30] in the Japanese is lower than in Westerners (Japan: 3% in both men and women; United States: 31% in men and 33% in women) (3), the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Japanese populations is not dramatically lower than that in Western populations (Japan: 7.3%; United Kingdom: 4.9%; United States: 12.3%)​

​

This metastudy is a few years old, and it's difficult to compare populations because the definition of "having diabetes" varies by time and location. It's a very compelling subject though. I doubt we'll find a complete answer in the next 20 years, but I know that whatever else, it's going to be part genetic, part behavioral, and I think less dependent on food intake and exercise than we want to believe.

I am aware of that. About 5 to 10 years ago, there was a research which showed that Asians who fall under "overweight" BMI have the same health risks associated with Caucasians' "obese" BMI. It attributed to Asian's high carb diet from young to adulthood.

 

[klpca]

Judy I hope that things look better this morning. There's no stress like hospital stress.

My personal theory on most medical things is "bodies are weird". Some are weirder than others. I hope that the doctors get to the bottom of this soon.

And I think that a separate diet, exercise, and chronic illness thread would be very interesting.

 

[easyrider]

Judy, what I have to write is not personal but I have to say it. I don't buy what you are saying here and it is irresponsible to write a health and medical book based on opinion instead of data. There will be buyers for your book with your line of reasoning because most people want someone else to tell them that it is not their fault that diabetes is out of control or for their weight gain.

It would be hard for me to critique an article I haven't read but I do agree with you regarding people not taking responsibility for their health. Most people don't know there is a problem until there is a problem and by then it is often too late.

My mother was a Type 2 diabetic and her greatest downfall was a plate of rice. She never liked meat and would pile vegetables on her rice.

The white rice was my problem too. You would think a normal healthy person could tolerate white rice daily but for many people it becomes a problem. I didn't think that the small amounts of white rice I consumed could cause a problem but looking at my past lipid profiles I can see it did. Good move on your part changing your diet. Diet and exercise seem to be the key to my wellness.

Bill

 

[Tia]

Yes not using his CPAP when he needs it stresses a persons system. Google search it -

How sleep apnea affects the heart - Harvard Health

Sleep apnea, a condition that causes breathing to stop dozens or hundreds of times every night, contributes to poor cardiovascular health by causing the body to release adrenaline. When this happen...

www.health.harvard.edu

"Over time, OSA exposes the heart and circulation to harmful stimuli that may cause or contribute to the progression of most cardiovascular diseases," explains Dr. Atul Malhotra, associate professor at Harvard Medical School and sleep specialist at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

I've thought of another relevant factor -- he has obstructive sleep apnea and hates to use his CPAP (a breathing machine that uses pressurized air to keep the airways open.) He was not using his CPAP when the symptoms occurred. I strongly suspect that was a factor.

 

[WinniWoman]

It would be hard for me to critique an article I haven't read but I do agree with you regarding people not taking responsibility for their health. Most people don't know there is a problem until there is a problem and by then it is often too late.



The white rice was my problem too. You would think a normal healthy person could tolerate white rice daily but for many people it becomes a problem. I didn't think that the small amounts of white rice I consumed could cause a problem but looking at my past lipid profiles I can see it did. Good move on your part changing your diet. Diet and exercise seem to be the key to my wellness.

Bill

But then. look at the Asians. Don't they consume a lot of white rice? I thought they were on average much healthier and thinner than other populations.

 

[VacationForever]

But then. look at the Asians. Don't they consume a lot of white rice? I thought they were on average much healthier and thinner than other populations.

Nope. Asians have very high rate of diabetes.

 

[easyrider]

But then. look at the Asians. Don't they consume a lot of white rice? I thought they were on average much healthier and thinner than other populations.

I'm half Japanese and use to eat rice for maybe 2/3 's of all my meals. Had some health issues and eat rice maybe twice a week now. The year after the heart attack I ate no white rice at all. The blood chemist was right. The white rice was causing a bad lipid panel for me. I was told my high cholesterol and high triglycerides were part of the reason for my arterial plaque. Lifting a heavy object caused some of the plaque to break loose causing a no pain heart attack. I think age has something to do with health too. Bad health might be an accumulative process that takes time to notice.

Bill

 

[rapmarks]

I agree with this. I simply didn't know I wasn't getting proper rest until the second sleep lab test. I thought it was 'normal' to be up every couple of hours and thought I just had a weak bladder, It showed not obstructive sleep apnea, but 'central apnea' where my brain didn't signal my diaphragm to breathe. Yes the CPAP (mine's a VPAP that's part ventilator) takes some getting used to, but has improved my overall health dramatically. I sleep 7-8 hours- usually without moving at all. I had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and prescribed night time oxygen. Now, no O2 and the lung doc is likely to turn me loose when I see him in a couple of months. All due to using the 'sleep machine'.

I truly hope you and Tom can start getting the answers to the questions you have and find some solutions that work.

Jim

P.S. Judy, I think your book would be well written and offer insight from the perspective of one that lives with the illness. I probably don't have the persistence or attention span to deal with more than the 'elevator' version before my eyes would glaze over. Good Luck

My husband has central sleep apnea. He has made using it a battleground. At a timeshare, he got really nasty that it had kept him awake all night for the past week, when in fact, he had made no effort to put the mask on. I stopped pushing him about it, and he has not touched it since early November. When I read this, maybe I should try again

 

[Passepartout]

My husband has central sleep apnea. He has made using it a battleground. At a timeshare, he got really nasty that it had kept him awake all night for the past week, when in fact, he had made no effort to put the mask on. I stopped pushing him about it, and he has not touched it since early November. When I read this, maybe I should try again

I'm sorry. Yes, it takes some commitment to use it, and I know from our conversations a year ago when I was getting used to mine that he and you have a battle of wills. I have some doubt that you'll 'win' when really, he'll be the one that comes out ahead by using it. Two things that have helped me are 'Gecko' silicone cushions that go over the bridge of my nose (about $15 on Amazon- there are cheaper pads) and cushions for the straps behind my head. The pressures on the VPAP have to be much higher than a 'regular' CPAP, so air leaks are really bothersome. The nose cushions smash flat and have to be replaced at least monthly and Medicare doesn't pay for them.

I'm still in my first year, so I suppose after the 'new' wears thin, I'll be against it too, but for now I feel so much better rested that I can't imagine sleeping without it. In fact, if I try a nap without it, I'll awaken in a mild panic' after an apnea event.

I wish you well.

Jim

 

[Ralph Sir Edward]

This is tangential to the OP husband's problem, but worth a read.

Proper Calcium Use: Vitamin K2 as a Promoter of Bone and Cardiovascular Health - PMC

Inadequate calcium intake can lead to decreased bone mineral density, which can increase the risk of bone fractures. Supplemental calcium promotes bone mineral density and strength and can prevent osteoporosis. Recent scientific evidence, however, ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yes, I started using K-2, a mix of MK-4 and MK-7 lengths. I didn't do a baseline calcium score, (DIdn't know about calcium scores before hand), but did one after 6 months of K-2 daily intake. I scored the the 97% lowest hard plaque blockage percentile for my age (63), despite being obese for virtually all my life. (Where I stand for soft and fibrous plaque is unknown, as I've never had the "coathanger" (i.e. an angiogram).)

 

[Beachclubmum]

Hoping JudyS’ DH is getting the medical attention he needs.

What an interesting thread. My DH is doing everything he can to prevent diabetes too. He’s fighting family history (dad passed away from diabetes heart complications) and Asian genetics. He’s on the elliptical for an hour 5-7 days per week and 1.5 years ago we started following a Dr. Furhman vegan diet. I was trying to lose weight and he was stuck eating what I cooked. After 3 days he found his allergies were 75% better and he’s never looked back. So far, at 61, his A1C looks good though I still have to nag him to go in for a yearly physical to get everything checked. He starts every day with a bowl of overnight oats with almond milk (plus flax, walnuts, berries).

 

[Timeshare Von]

Hi Judy. Sorry to be late to this thread, but I wanted to say Tom & You are in my prayers!

My DH is also type II and we struggle with some of the diet issues too. The good news is that our primary care doc feels David is doing a good job to keep his numbers in line, although this last 6 months we've seen a spike in blood sugars & A1C . . . without weight gain or any other poor numbers in his blood work. The doc feels it's just his pancreas not producing correctly, so he's added a medication to his regiment.

I should also say, David did a great job to drop about 40 lbs between 2016 & 2018 . . . resulting in his doc removing one of his meds to control the diabetes. "I never have removed patients from meds to control type II . . . you're going great." was what the doc had to say about it. We felt it was strong evidence that controlled diet PLUS exercise resulting in weight loss, can help those afflicted with the disease.

As for your book . . . not sure I'd buy a book, but it does sound like a worthy article or shorter piece.

 

[JudyS]

VacationForever wrote:
Judy, what I have to write is not personal but I have to say it. I don't buy what you are saying here and it is irresponsible to write a health and medical book based on opinion instead of data. There will be buyers for your book with your line of reasoning because most people want someone else to tell them that it is not their fault that their diabetes is out of control or for their weight gain.


*******************************

You just came out and said I was behaving irresponsibly. How can that not be personal?

At any rate, let me put your fears to rest. My book will be based on facts, not opinions. I was lucky enough to start learning about research on obesity way back about 40 years ago, under one of the founders of the field, Dr. Albert Stunkard. Although I later received my PhD in social sciences, not biological, I have remained involved in the field. I have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine on the topic of diet and health, and been a volunteer scientist worked for the Cochran Colloration's division that looks at lifestyle and health. I all about the science.

I also disagree with you that many people will want to hear the "good" news that dieting doesn't work. I have almost found nothing but hostility towards this idea. Thin people want to believe their thinness is due to moral superiority. Fat people are desperate to find the right diet that will make them thin. The idea that weight is biological is deeply upsetting to many people.

As for your family history, didn't you just say medical writing should be based on facts, not opinions? But it's your opinion that your MIL would have had better health if she didn't eat rice. You don't know what would have actually happened, if say, she had never had access to rice. And, the experiences of three people in one family doesn't outweigh carefully-done research done of thousands of people.

 

[JudyS]

Thanks to folks who responded!

Update on my husband: It turns out scar tissue had grown over one of his stents. A new stent was put in, which we hope will fix the problem. If not, a new approach is to irradiate the area where the stents are, so that the tissue becomes too damaged to grow further.

I had been very worried and not feeling well when my husband was in the hospital. I had felt too sick to visit him. I would have liked to call my PCP for advice, but I don't currently have a PCP. (This has been a problem for years.) When my husband came home, I was near unconsciousness and he called an ambulance. I was immediately admitted to the hospital with acute renal failure -- a topic I know very little about. I have been there ever since (6 days), but they say I am well enough to come home now.I feel well enough to use my laptop, too. But, that's why I was delayed in responding.

 

[Passepartout]

Gosh, Judy! So much happening all at once. All I have to offer is Best Wishes for you and Tom, and a big TUG {{{HUG}}}

Jim

 

[Panina]

Thanks to folks who responded!

Update on my husband: It turns out scar tissue had grown over one of his stents. A new stent was put in, which we hope will fix the problem. If not, a new approach is to irradiate the area where the stents are, so that the tissue becomes too damaged to grow further.

I had been very worried and not feeling well when my husband was in the hospital. I had felt too sick to visit him. I would have liked to call my PCP for advice, but I don't currently have a PCP. (This has been a problem for years.) When my husband came home, I was near unconsciousness and he called an ambulance. I was immediately admitted to the hospital with acute renal failure -- a topic I know very little about. I have been there ever since (6 days), but they say I am well enough to come home now.I feel well enough to use my laptop, too. But, that's why I was delayed in responding.

You have been going thru so much. Please try to take care of yourself. I know from first hand experience while we are taking care of those we love often we do not take care of ourselves and our health is affected. I pray both you and your husband
husband stay well.

 

[klpca]

Thanks to folks who responded!

Update on my husband: It turns out scar tissue had grown over one of his stents. A new stent was put in, which we hope will fix the problem. If not, a new approach is to irradiate the area where the stents are, so that the tissue becomes too damaged to grow further.

I had been very worried and not feeling well when my husband was in the hospital. I had felt too sick to visit him. I would have liked to call my PCP for advice, but I don't currently have a PCP. (This has been a problem for years.) When my husband came home, I was near unconsciousness and he called an ambulance. I was immediately admitted to the hospital with acute renal failure -- a topic I know very little about. I have been there ever since (6 days), but they say I am well enough to come home now.I feel well enough to use my laptop, too. But, that's why I was delayed in responding.

Glad to hear that they figured out what happened with your husband. And I'm so sorry to hear that you are having health issues. When it rains it pours. Hopefully the worst is behind you.

 

[Beachclubmum]

Oh my goodness Judy! Glad you’re getting treated and wishing you a speedy recovery. Do they know what caused it? Was a uti involved?

 

[chellej]

VacationForever wrote:
Judy, what I have to write is not personal but I have to say it. I don't buy what you are saying here and it is irresponsible to write a health and medical book based on opinion instead of data. There will be buyers for your book with your line of reasoning because most people want someone else to tell them that it is not their fault that their diabetes is out of control or for their weight gain.


*******************************

You just came out and said I was behaving irresponsibly. How can that not be personal?

Judy

There are some folks on Tug you just have to ignore... I found the comment made to you to be offensive....but not untypical for that member.

Hope you and your husband are doing better.

 

[VegasBella]

I’m late to this party. I have read through some of the thread but not all so I apologize if this has already been said. Here is an excellent resource about obesity. Tons of real research, not selling any fad diets or surgeries, just academics learning about obesity and sharing: https://www.obesity.org/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Snazzylass]

I’m late to this party. I have read through some of the thread but not all so I apologize if this has already been said. Here is an excellent resource about obesity. Tons of real research, not selling any fad diets or surgeries, just academics learning about obesity and sharing: https://www.obesity.org/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yup! I missed this the first time around, too. At first I did not realize the post was Pre-CV19. Surprised about the lack of hospital beds.

The OP doesn't seem to have offered any updates. I do hope they are doing well! Really, anyone over the age of 60 needs to work hard on figuring out health solutions that work. It is interesting that the ONE poster who the OP took exception with, was actually the ONE poster who predicted the actual problem.

I know it's hard to hear things we don't like, but that doesn't make it untrue. Sure, our temperaments come through in these posts. Not all of us are so eloquent. Still, I'll take informed and harsh over touchy feely any day.

And, this from another post: "I would be curious for you to explain the obesity rate today vs. 50 years ago (when we were all kids) vs. 100 years ago. Biology shouldn't have changed much, but our lifestyles have."

No, it really, really is our diets. It is the food that is available to us and the food that has been promoted. The food my kids ate is not what I grew up eating. There is lots and lots of research about the current causes of T2D, and lots of research about successful solutions. One was a Purdue University study about fasting. Dr. Ken Berry wrote a book and interviews lots of scientists. He has had personal success in his diet changes, as have other doctors.

If you are not happy with the results you are getting, keep searching.