Eggs and bacon and salmon, oh my!

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am an 89-year-old male enjoying good health. I have A-fib, but it doesn’t bother me and I get a reasonable amount of exercise.

I have had myelodysplasia for 12 years. As a result, my white-cell count is low. My cholesterol is 142, and my HDL and LDL are normal or below. I take iron pills every day. At my age and with my history, does it make any difference whether I have one or six eggs per week or bacon every other day?

My second question regards salmon. I eat it frequently and enjoy it. I understand that the omega-3 is largely contained in the fish’s fat. And I note that most of the fat clings to the skin. Should we not also eat the skin for maximum benefits?

DEAR READER: A healthy heart has four chambers that contract in an orderly manner. Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is the result of the heart’s two upper chambers being stimulated to contract rapidly and in an abnormal fashion. These arrhythmias cause a disruption of the heart’s normal conduction system. The condition becomes more common with advancing age and affects both men and women. An individual may be aware of a rapid pulse, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue and lightheadedness. Some may have constant symptoms, while others experience them only occasionally.

Long-term treatment may include the use of prescription medication. There are also specific instances when atrial fibrillation may require medical intervention, such as cardioversion or intravenous drugs, to bring the heart back into normal rhythm. This may be followed by oral medications to ward off arrhythmias and prescription anticoagulants to prevent blood clots and stroke from occurring.

People with A-fib should be under the care of a cardiologist to ensure they are being monitored properly.

Individuals with myelodysplasia have stem cells that fail to function properly. With time, the immature cells exceed the healthy blood cells and problems develop. These may include anemia, bleeding tendencies, leukemia or abnormalities and infection. The condition is complex. There are eight recognized subtypes, with each type based on bone-marrow changes and peripheral blood findings.

Risk factors include age, sex, specific congenital diseases, exposure to environmental toxins and a history of smoking. Males aged 60 and older are more commonly diagnosed, as are smokers. Cancer-causing substances in cigarettes are absorbed into the bloodstream and have the ability to affect blood cells and bone marrow.

There is no known definitive cure at this writing; however, treatment is geared toward reducing or preventing complications that may arise. People with the disorder should be under the care of a hematologist/oncologist.

Now, on to the important portion of your question: My colleagues will likely criticize me for this answer, but here goes. Enjoy your eggs, bacon, salmon and the well-cooked skin if you wish. Quality of life is extremely important. At 89, you’ve earned the right to indulge now and then. Just remember to have a piece of fruit or two with those eggs and bacon, and don’t forget the whole-grained toast so that the meal is well-balanced. Some good brown or wild rice and fresh vegetables should accompany the salmon.