Don Towle

I have an Apple Watch which tells me more information than I probably need. It had reflected that at night my heart rate would fall below normal for ten minutes or more. I discussed this with my general doctor, and he suggested I visit my heart doctor. My heart doctor suggested a group of fun tests like echoes and stress tests, etc. Included in those tests was a CAC score.

My CAC score was like my golf score — off the charts high. But like a golf score, it is best for the score to be low. This resulted in the suggestion that I have a heart cath so they could have a look around with their cameras to see what all was going on.

The results of the heart cath were, first: I do actually have a heart. My heart is not new, as it has a few miles on it and is more like a classic. My heart and circulation are in very good condition. I have no restrictions and will see my heart doctor at my regularly scheduled appointment next year.

My general doctor suggested that the fact I had no symptoms and the heart cath showed good news is due to my consistent exercise regimen at the El Dorado YMCA. I credit my personal trainer and the many trainers in the group exercise classes. I suggest everyone give their exercise some priority — your parts have to last your whole lifetime.