UCC Retiree - Edward W. (Bill) Hegmann, Jr.

About 10 years ago I started a low carbohydrate, high fat diet to lose weight. Over the next 10 months I lost 40 pounds and drastically lowered my blood pressure. Both my HDL and LDL stayed in the normal range and my general health seemed to be good. My primary care doctor was happy. Then three years ago I began experiencing severe pain in my right calf. Hospital tests determined that three of the four arteries in my right calf were completely blocked, a condition known as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). The vascular surgeon said surgery was not an option. He said I might be able get some help with walking.

I found a plan on the Internet for “treating PAD with walking” - walk on a treadmill for 3 minutes at a speed and elevation that could barely be tolerated, stop for 1 minute, and repeat the procedure a total of 10 times, three days a week. I began at 1.5 miles per hour and zero elevation; after a couple of weeks I had to increase the speed and elevation a little to achieve the same pain level. Evidently every time the blood vessels in my leg are stressed they dilated slightly and when I stopped they contract, but not completely. I also switched to a low saturated fat diet.

I learned that patients with PAD were five times more likely to have a heart attack than the general public. I went to see a cardiologist and he was very happy with the exercise program I was doing. He adjusted my medication including adding a blood thinner. He also checked all my other arteries and found no other blockages.

I continued to increase the treadmill workload to make my leg hurt during the walking. After about a year and a half I was walking 3.2 miles per hour at 9½ degrees elevation. I have leveled off about there even though I no longer experience any pain. My cardiologist says I have “created new arteries” with the walking program. I am still on a low saturated fat diet, of course, but I am off the blood thinner. I can be as active as I want to be, and my leg does not hurt. I still get tired and out of breath sometimes, of course; after all, I’m 79 years old and I am slowing down.

I am sharing this to testify to the health benefit of exercising. If it encourages you to exercise it was worth the effort to share it.

Editor’s Note: If you experience symptoms similar to those described above, it is important that you consult with your physician before starting this or any exercise program.