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Heart Healthy​ Lifestyle & Lyme Twist

If you have any kind of heart trouble and/or Lyme disease you might want to know about the connection. Usually, we identify different diseases with different organs or systems in the body. When we have a better understanding we can make wise choices. 

Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States.

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Heart Disease in the United States

  • About 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year–that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.
  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. More than half of the deaths due to heart disease in 2009 were in men.
  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease, killing over 370,000 people annually.
  • Every year about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these, 525,000 are a first heart attack and 210,000 happen in people who have already had a heart attack.”

CDC ~ Heart Disease Facts

Heart attack concept. Woman suffering from chest pain indoor

Our risk of heart disease is fairly well known at this time. Most of us know at least one person who has had a heart attack. What is not as well known is that the CDC has declared that each year there are 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease. Those who have Lyme and who treat Lyme generally say this is an overly conservative number.

“Preliminary estimates released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the number of Americans diagnosed with Lyme disease each year is around 300,000.” ~ CDC Press Release

Those numbers are staggering from my perspective.

  • 610,000 die from heart disease in the United States alone
  • 300,000 are diagnosed with Lyme every year in the United States

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So, what does one have to do with the other? To most, nothing. To those of us with Lyme disease AND a heart condition, it can mean everything. I can only speak from my personal experience. I am not a doctor/scientist/researcher or in any position to speak for any other human being.

I have had Lyme disease since early childhood. Back then Lyme was not on the radar. It has only been 3 1/2 years since I was diagnosed and started treatment. The treatment has been rough but has been more effective than I thought possible. I do not believe I would be alive today had I not been treated. Too many years of damage to many organs.

My brain has healed/improved/regenerated so much in the last 3 1/2 years of treatment that I shock myself sometimes with its current function. It is nothing impressive for the average person but for someone with lifelong Lyme, it is truly incredible. Now I want the same results for my heart.

If I were to separate the two problems (heart condition and Lyme disease) I would be treated for my heart condition without any regard to what most likely caused it in the first place, Lyme. Without treating the Lyme, I personally do not believe I even had a chance at overcoming the heart issues.

Not all people with Lyme disease have a challenged heart. It is like having cancer, there are many kinds of cancer that affect people quite differently. We are unique humans. Lyme takes on a different story in each of us who have it. As I am at the end of healing from Lyme, I realize I have never heard two Lyme stories the same, only similarities.

We all need to know our particular bodies. I have instinctively known some of the solutions for my particular heart. Sometimes I might look like a fool taking care of myself in public but when I follow my very clear instincts, I am right every time. How I choose to deal with my heart will not work for any other person. The same is true the other way around. How others choose to deal with their heart issues do not always apply to me.

Male hand touch heart pulse on futuristic interface

Connecting the Dots

Recently someone pointed me to Dr. Neil Spector to hear his story and the connection he made between heart challenges and Lyme disease. He should know, he is a renowned Oncologist, sharing his own personal story of his transition from doctor to patient, and how Lyme disease led to an emergency heart transplant.

He is speaking out about his experience and the needed research for Lyme to save lives from the heart complications. I hope you will listen. He has the education, knowledge and his personal experience to explain the connection of a heart living with Lyme disease.

Dr. Neil Spector’s book: Gone In A Heartbeat. Perfect title. In a heartbeat, we can forfeit our lives if we do not understand the connection between heart and Lyme disease. If you have heart complications or Lyme disease, my hope is that you will investigate the information for yourself.

Dr. Neil Spector Speaks at Focus on Lyme

Now What?

If you have a heart condition but you have never been diagnosed with Lyme, it could be worth your resources to investigate. Lyme testing is not very reliable but it is a good place to start.

Profound fatigue is a symptom that you are in trouble. Get someone’s attention that you are not just “tired” or “stressed” but you have profound fatigue that is not normal. Say it again and again until you get someone’s attention who can help you.

If you have Lyme disease and you are questioning your heart health, you might want to make an appointment with a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD). I personally have a Lyme Literate Naturopathic Doctor who provides the information I need about my heart so I know how to handle my personal situation.

Finding a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor (LLMD)

Doctor holding tray with heart healthy foods on color background

Lifestyle Is Everything

Heart disease is nothing to mess around with, neither is Lyme disease. Seeking medical attention is usually necessary. Treating Lyme disease may assist your heart health.

Beyond that, you can work on your lifestyle, with or without a certified health coach.

Healthy food in heart and cholesterol diet concept on vintage bo

  • Diet is crucial and can actually be fun to explore
  • Exercise/movement catered to your specific health needs
  • Stress reduction is not an option
    • Slow Down / Speed Health
  • Relationship updates to enhance your life and health
  • Getting in touch with your unique body, knowing yourself well and becoming confident with your instincts

Take good care of YOU, every organ in your body and every system that keeps your body working for you instead of against you.

Have you ever questioned your heart health?

Maribeth Baxter, MBEC (Certified Mind-Body Health Coach)

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HEALTH COACH DISCLAIMER Health/Wellness coaching is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. It is not intended to substitute for the advice, treatment and/or diagnosis of a qualified licensed professional. Trained and certified Health Coaches may not make any medical diagnoses, claims and/or substitute for your personal physician’s care. As your health/wellness coach I do not provide a second opinion or in any way attempt to alter the treatment plans or therapeutic goals/recommendations of your personal physician. It is my role to partner with you to provide ongoing support and accountability as you create an action plan to meet and maintain your health goals.


 

 

 

 

 

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