Health Scare Gets Young Mom Exercising

Liza Schlitt attributes her improved health to preventative medical check-ups. (Photo: Chris McGathey)
Liza Schlitt attributes her improved health to preventative medical check-ups. (Photo: Chris McGathey)

Liza Schlitt is a physically fit mother of two toddlers. She eats healthy and exercises regularly, just as doctors and conventional wisdom dictate.

So why did she find out in April, during a routine examination, that she had the arteries of a 57-year-old woman? A carotid artery scan revealed that the Preston Hollow resident had a hereditary condition that increased her risks for heart attack or stroke.

“I’m fairly fit. I eat really healthy,” Schlitt said. “But I’m a mom without a lot of time. When this test came back, it was an eye-opener.”

So Schlitt began to examine her lifestyle and made some adjustments to prioritize exercise each day — something as simple as walking around the neighborhood with her kids in a stroller — as well as a more nutritious diet that cuts down on sugars and fats, and includes multivitamin supplements.

“Sometimes we don’t see how the little things we do can make a difference,” said Schlitt, public relations manager for Diamond Luxury Healthcare in Preston Center. “Sometimes you forget about why you’re eating healthier or exercising more.”

She hopes that another upcoming scan with the same technology will note the same progress her doctors have seen with other patients, as she tries to reverse a quarter-century of aging on her arteries.

“It’s something we can reverse. It’s something we see all the time with our patients,” said Dr. Anthony Lyssy, Schlitt’s physician. “We just have to put our foot down at times. It can be a long process.”

The thickening in Schlitt’s arteries — known as atherosclerosis — included plaque buildup and inflammation consistent with someone much older. Although her condition is genetic, she didn’t know that until after she was diagnosed.

“I’m just blessed that I found out now rather than later,” she said.

Lyssy said her case stresses the importance of routine check-ups. After all, Schlitt wasn’t having any health problems or expecting to find anything out of the ordinary.

“The preventative aspect is so important,” Lyssy said. “Sometimes people are so concerned about what they look like on the outside that they forget about the inside.”

Share this article...
Email this to someone
email
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin

4 thoughts on “Health Scare Gets Young Mom Exercising

  • July 9, 2014 at 2:43 pm
    Permalink

    I get regular annual checkups and have my whole life. I have never heard of a carotid artery scan nor has any doctor ever recommended it. Bone scans, mammograms, colonoscopies – yes. I am all about prevention but how would someone know about this scan? Is it something new or something only certain doctors use?

    Reply
  • July 10, 2014 at 11:10 am
    Permalink

    The artery scan and full body scan are quite common. Insurance doesn’t pay for it, so the total cost is relatively low. I think that I paid $75 at Medical City Plano for the report. Because of the lower cost, and other reasons, many doctors will have you do this before they send you to the more expensive echo or nuclear stress tests. You definitely should ask your doctor.

    Reply
  • July 10, 2014 at 5:34 pm
    Permalink

    Is this article paid advertising? It seems to be promoting a product.

    Why don’t the insurance plans cover this?

    Reply

Leave a Reply to 1st anon Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.