Posted 1/10/2016 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
Bosguy,
When i was in my late 40's early 50's i was told i had a thickening of the heart wall. I think its very simliar to your diagnosis, but cant swear to it. I've always had high triglycerides, only the last couple years got it under control, although my last test it was slightly high again.
Now i am 65, and this past june was diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease, and had 2 blockages cleared with stents. So i know how you feel.
But you are young and you have time to change the course of things.
First off, your blood pressure at 130/88 is considered high by todays standards. Not dangerously so, but the 88 is higher than you want it to be. Maybe thats why the doc has put you on Metroprolol. It slows the heart rate and is prescribed for both irregular heartbeat as well as high blood pressure. Have your BP rechecked after taking it for 2 months.
Also, depending on just HOW bummed out you are, you might want to google Dr Dean Ornish, and Dr Caldwell Essestyn. These guys have demonstrated that proper diet, (what they recommend is considered extreme by some, but not wrong) can prevent AND REVERSE heart disease. Dr Ornish has published peer reviewed studies in JAMA and The Lancet, to prove it, and his program as of 2011 is now reimburseable by Medicare (i know, doesnt apply to you at your age, but it shows that its real).
These guys programs involve plant based diets, no meat, fish, etc, vegan, no oils (in the case of Essylsten) and Ornishs program includes stress reduction, and exercise. (READ his book "The Spectrum" which you can find on Amazon.)
I am not on the plant based diet. I have moved in that direction however, having greatly reduced my meat, sugar, fat, and simple carb intake, and i have been walking (little jogging mixed in, bad knees) 2-3 miles a day as often as possible (i still work, so every day is hard). It will be very hard for me to go totally plant based, I've always been a meat and potatoes and ice cream guy, i've cut out most of that, but haven't really gone plant based yet.
You can only control what you can conttrol, so do the best you can, see the doc regularly, and enjoy life. You are not in any danger right now, no need to fret. I would however, see a cardiologist if i were you. I was lucky in that my PCP practices internal medicine but is also a board certified cardiologist and practices that as well. Otherwise i would have found a cardiologist as well.
Good luck.