vegan ground meat (chorizo) in a frying pan.

The cardiologist explained the test results to me. The stress test was excellent, no surprise there. With low blood pressure and a healthy heart, I can keep running and exercising.

A tortilla and vegan ground meat (chorizo) are being prepared in a frying pan.

My Carotid Artery Doppler Exam though (ultrasound scan for the arteries in the neck) was a different story. If I didn’t have a family history, I can imagine he’d maybe say that we’ll watch it before we start with medication.

A tortilla topped with diced vegetables (pico de gallo) is placed in a pan alongside vegan ground meat (chorizo).

But I do have a family history, and the plaque is there. I was expecting this with my last blood test results. So medicine it is.

A tortilla is being cooked in a pan, topped with vegan ground meat (chorizo), diced vegetables (pico de gallo), and shredded vegan cheese.

My feelings are mixed. There’s worry and some sadness, but I prefer it over stupid (and dangerous) ignorance. A sense of commitment and responsibility toward my exercise routine. There’s also a sense of purpose I need to explore, to see where it leads and from where.

A taco filled with vegan ground meat (chorizo), diced vegetables (pico de gallo), and vegan cheese is placed on a clear, glass textured plate beside a spoon and napkin.

I’ve already given up cheese, and I can’t remember how many years ago I gave up milk. Chicken and fish are probably next (I have given up other meat a long time ago).

Two tacos filled with vegan ground meat (chorizo), diced vegetables (pico de gallo), and vegan cheese are served on a clear glass plate.

The real challenge, I think, is to find something to eat in restaurants and in social settings. But this NYC, home to many vegans. One more won’t make much of a difference.