Aberdeen University

[groesclose]

There has been a new findings in an article by Dana Dawson i read this am regarding TAKOTSUBO SYNDROM. Has anyone heard of it? I would be so interested to hear your comments.

[BobD Volunteer]

No but wikypedia calls it broken heart syndrome. Weakening of the muscle causing cardiomyopathy often due to prolonged or excessive stress for those who can't be bothered to look it up. Too hot or what?

[groesclose in reply to BobD]

Thanks for that Bob. Actually tried to look it up but my pc keeps crashing on that site. You sound a tad frazzled. Are you too hot or what?!

[BobD Volunteer in reply to BobD]

Trying to fill in a section of floor where once was a wall. Base level 59mm below finished oak planking. +/- 2mm. ! 25mm celatex plus packing plus 22mm chip board plus 12mm oak plank and it is jolly close. Since it is now a doorway out onto terrace we don't want any trip hazards or people will be hurtling down the drive lefty right and centre.

Just another service from Bob . I wasn't being nasty though agree it sounds a bit that way. Just my sad sense of humour.

B

[groesclose in reply to BobD]

Congratulations, wish I had your energy.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to groesclose]

No option with my wife! Think I prefer days she works ha ha.

[Tako2009]

Hi - I had a "heart attack" in 2009 - diagnosed as Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy - it feels like - and was initially diagnosed in A&E as - a heart attack - crushing chest pain, racing heart, breathless, extreme weakness etc. When they took me down for a closer look at my heart, the angiogram showed no blocked arteries however had the typical Takotsubo weakened heart muscle in the left ventricle. At the time I was told that my heart would recover without lasting damage and prescribed a very low dose of Bisoprolol for future protection. In my case it took around 3 months recovery period after which I was back to normal with exercise and work.

Since 2009, I have been practicing Mindfulness and Yoga and generally working on my relationship with stress - I realised that at the time of the attack I was probably running on Adrenalin due to the stress of a busy, high pressure job while coping with some family problems - I have had to make a fundamental change at work to become more relaxed, much less driven and competitive (typical character traits of Takotsubo candidates - no unknown in city traders and the like, not just menopausal women).

I'm now winding down to retirement which I hope will give me more time to do the things that bring me joy, time to heal and to discover new interests, maybe even to make the changes that will ease the impact of the PAF.

At the same time - it is a bit worrying to read from this study that Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy does cause permanent damage to the heart and wondering if this may have a bearing on my subsequent diagnosis (7 years later) of atrial fibrillation - a question for my EP when I next see him in 6 months time I think! I shall look out for more information coming from the Aberdeen research.

Liz

[Vivante]

I did not know there was a specific word for the condition. But the term 'dying of a broken heart' is not new. Extreme stress and anxiety can affect the person in many ways, unfortunately. We need to find ways in which we are able to deal with the stress that surrounds us. Mindfulness, or being aware of, taking notice of all of the good things around us may help. If you know about Yoga, then you will also know the term Pratyahara, the ability to shut out all negative emotions, feelings, etc.

If you know enough about yoga, then you will also know what asanas to avoid.

The heat can affect us all, and it is important to avoid extreme exercises in the heat. D we o not work on any position where the head is lower than the heart. Very gentle stretches may be useful, avoid raising your arms over your head, this can affect the heart muscle, especially where there is scarring.

For all of you, rest quietly and easily.

We have recently moved from the hustle and bustle of out recent Dwelling, we now have the sea close enough to walk to and the woods in the opposite side.A EUREKA moment came last blood test, INR level bang in the middle, 2-5. Stunned when I had the warfarin blood test some months ago, rolled up my sleeve, preparing for the needle, the nurse jabbed my finger with a pin?, tested the blood there and then, result right away, 2-5.

Take great of yourselves all A-Fibs.