Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  High LDL

    Posted 06-11-2025 08:28

    Greetings, 

    I hope everyone is doing well. My name is Katie Retek (22 years old), and I am currently employed with The Mended Hearts, Inc. I am looking to get into more of our support groups and learning how they operate. I have checked to see if there was a Young Mended Hearts discussion and didn't see anything in particular that had stood out to me. As someone who has an extensive familial history with cardiovascular disease and other illnesses, I have also been affected. I had an annual appointment scheduled in November of last year with my General Practician and ended up taking a full blood panel the following month. Test results showed that I had High Cholesterol and High LDL. Because of my extensive history, I am now scheduled to have 6-month appointments from now on. 

    Took another test about a month and a half ago, test revealed my cholesterol improved (still high) but my LDL has gotten worse. I have changed my diet. I started exercising more. Not really sure what else I can do in the meantime leading up to my appointment later this fall. Any recommendations would be helpful if able!

    Best regards, 

    Katie Retek 



    ------------------------------
    Katie Retek
    Administrative Assistant
    The Mended Hearts, Inc.
    Albany GA
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: High LDL

    Posted 06-12-2025 04:14
    Hi Katie,

    You are quite young but, given your family history, have you discussed with your doctor the propriety of taking statins or something similar to lower your cholesterol?

    You also mentioned that you've been seeing your GP. Maybe it would be a good idea to consult with a cardiologist about this.

    Best of luck and please keep us posted.

    Ira




  • 3.  RE: High LDL

    Posted 06-12-2025 09:01

    Hi Ira,

    Yes, I've discussed my cholesterol management with my GP. After my initial appointment in November, she advised delaying medication due to my age and suggested improving my levels through dietary changes-specifically reducing alcohol, fried foods, shellfish, cheese, and red meats. At my follow-up, while my cholesterol had improved, my LDL remained elevated. Nonetheless, she recommended continuing without medication. I trust her judgment; she comes highly recommended and has a strong reputation in our community.

    Unfortunately, she is relocating abroad this Saturday. I've been referred to a new GP by her and will be seeing her soon.

    I haven't yet consulted a cardiologist, which concerns me. Living in Albany, GA, options are limited. There are cardiologists in Atlanta (about 4 hours away) and Tallahassee, FL (about 1.5 hours), but I don't have personal recommendations for either location. Our local healthcare provider, Phoebe Putney Health System, offers cardiology services, but I've heard mixed reviews about the system.

    I feel somewhat uncertain about my next steps and if I am taking the right precautions on how to address my issue. 

    Best regards,
    Katie Retek



    ------------------------------
    Katie Retek
    Administrative Assistant
    The Mended Hearts, Inc.
    Albany GA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: High LDL

    Posted 06-13-2025 06:45
    Hi Katie
    I agree with Ira. Do whatever you can to find a good cardiologist.  Your situation warrants that. 



    Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone




    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: High LDL

    Posted 06-13-2025 08:18

    Hi Timothy, 

    Thank you for your comment-I truly appreciate it and will keep it in mind.

    I do agree that I need to find a cardiologist and could really use some guidance. I live in Albany, GA, where the main healthcare provider is the Phoebe Putney Health System. They do have cardiologists on staff, but I've heard mixed feedback. It seems like there's a lot of turnovers, and many of the highly regarded doctors don't stay long.

    I've also heard that there are excellent cardiologists in Atlanta (about 4 hours away) and in Tallahassee, FL (about 1.5 hours from me), but I haven't received any personal recommendations yet.

    As I begin this new health journey, is there anything specific I should be mindful of when choosing a cardiologist or managing my care? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

    Best regards, 

    Katie Retek 



    ------------------------------
    Katie Retek
    Administrative Assistant
    The Mended Hearts, Inc.
    Albany GA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: High LDL

    Posted 06-14-2025 04:24
    Katie,

    Given your age, my normal inclination would be to simply experiment with diet, exercise and weight management. Given your family history, however, I think I'd want additional guidance from a good cardiologist even if it might involve periodic travel. Anyway, even though you likely would need to travel for an initial visit, perhaps you would be able to obtain followup advice remotely.

    Best,

    Ira


    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: High LDL

    Posted 06-16-2025 09:53

    Ira,

    Thank you for letting me know. I will make sure to look into remote options. I appreciate all of the advice and will make sure to update everyone once something pops up. 

    Best regards, 

    Katie Retek



    ------------------------------
    Katie Retek
    Administrative Assistant
    The Mended Hearts, Inc.
    Albany GA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: High LDL

    Posted 06-22-2025 09:11

    Hi Katie. As you find a cardiologist ask them to order labs for LPa. Insurance should cover and may give you some answers about your LDL. Happy to talk more in person next week.



    ------------------------------
    Karin Bertozzi
    Chapter 94
    MD
    kbbertozzi@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: High LDL

    Posted 06-23-2025 08:41

    Hi Karin, 

    Thank you for sending me your suggestion. I will make sure to keep that in mind. Depending on time, I would love to talk to you more about it this week. Looking forward to it and can't wait!

    Best regards, 

    Katie Retek 



    ------------------------------
    Katie Retek
    Administrative Assistant
    The Mended Hearts, Inc.
    Albany GA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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