My dad died in October. He was 58 and had a cardiac event, came out of nowhere from my mom's perspective but in retrospect there were signs we all ignored or wrote off because he was healthy for his age. He didn't see doctors just flat out refused. The last full physical he had was probably 2015 or 16.
The autopsy mentioned advanced atherosclerosis and high Lp(a). Lp(a) is genetic which means I almost certainly have it too. My GP wouldn't run Lp(a) when I asked, said it wasn't standard of care and that I was too young to worry. I am 34 and idk this just has gotten in my head a bit.
I mean I ordered my bloodwork on goodlabs because I couldn't get the test through my doctor without a fight I didn't have the energy for and basically Lp(a) came back at 142. Reference range is under 75. ApoB was 118. Total cholesterol was actually normal which is the part that messes with me because that's the number my dad got tested for a decade ago and was told he was fine.
Anyway I've started a statin in January and I'm working with a preventive cardiologist now. Not posting for sympathy, posting because I keep thinking about how many guys are out there carrying somewhat the same genetic deck and maybe go through smth similar.
Genuine question for anyone else who's lost a parent and changed how they handle their own health what changed your though process bc for me it was like literally my frontal lobe redeveloped.I almost went the opposite direction and decide whatever happens happens? Both feelt valid at the time. I'm just trying to figure out where the line is between proactive and paranoid.