Heart-health routine beneficial

Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 72-year-old male who smoked for 20 years. I quit smoking over 30 years ago and have maintained a constant weight since then. Almost two years ago I suffered a heart attack. The doctors inserted two stents and put me on Plavix plus lisinopril, which I still take. Shortly after that I entered into a 12-week cardiac rehab program that included a lecture by the hospital dietician.

She basically told us “if it tastes good, spit it out. It is bad for you.” Since completing the rehab program I have exercised daily and followed a strict low-fat, low-sodium diet. I have eaten a ton of chicken breasts and soy burgers seasoned with Mrs. Dash instead of salt.

A few days ago I compared lab test results from before my heart attack and was surprised to learn that my blood chemistry has not been altered significantly by my diet. I had low cholesterol before the attack and I still have very low cholesterol. I had slightly elevated triglycerides before the attack, and I still have slightly high triglycerides. I had low blood pressure before, and I have very low BP now. Both my brothers died of heart attacks by the time they reached my age, so apparently my problem is genetic and not due to diet or lifestyle.

Is there any benefit to continuing these diet restrictions if they aren’t going to affect my lab tests?

Dear Reader: Blood chemistries are not the only factors causing heart attacks. In fact, experts are now discovering that many medical emergencies are related to inflammation of the coronary artery linings. As yet, there is no generally accepted treatment for this.

Your dietary restrictions and daily exercise probably have helped you in unseen ways. I encourage you to continue your program under the guidance of your cardiologist.

Dear Dr. Gott: My 80-year-old husband has depression for which he has taken a Xanax tablet three times a day for 15 years. Is this appropriate?

Dear Reader: In my opinion, no.

Xanax is an effective short-term treatment for excessive anxiety. If your husband’s basic problem is depression, he needs an antidepressant.

In some instances, Xanax and antidepressants are prescribed together. However, Xanax by itself does not treat depression.

I suggest that your husband ask his primary care physician for a referral to a psychiatrist for further evaluation and modification of therapy. Without question, your husband can be helped by the proper authority.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Mental and Emotional Illness.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.