Newbie deb

[Deb1838]

Sorry it’s me again. Don’t expect any answers but I need someone to talk to. Finally saw a gp and had ecg at the Doctors. Result of ecg showed in NSR, however the shock came when she said the ecg showed I had had a heart attack. This has come as a shock as it was never mentioned when I was in hospital for the AF. Gp has faxed ecg to cardiology team but I can’t seem to get my head round this and am even more scared now. Thank you for listening. Deb x

[stevie11]

I am sorry to hear that as it is something i fear whenever i do an ECG i hope they can do something for you to quell your fears..

You definitely need to get them right onto things and find out whatever you can anyway all the very best and i am sorry i cannot tell you much..

[Deb1838 in reply to stevie11]

Thank you steve I think it’s just come as a terrible shock. I was so happy that I was in nsr and then I got this news.

[Sam72-]

Aww deb , so sorry to hear about your situation. You must be so frightened and worried. All I can say is hopefully you will get support on here and people that have had similar problems will communicate and help you get through it. Sorry I can’t be more help to you but always here to listen as I no how it feels and took my AF badly.

Big hugs to you ❤️

Best wishes

Sam 💕

[Buffafly]

Hi Deb, I know that is scary because the same thing happened to me! I had to go to hospital because of chest pains with AF and tachycardia, however an angiogram didn't show an MI. Later I had an ablation and the ECG report afterwards said 'possible MI'. However I have discovered that ECG s are initially interpreted automatically so unless your GP is an expert in reading ECGs (probably not as she is sending it off for an expert opinion, and even experts can disagree) I don't think you need to worry until the report comes back (though of course you will!) It is not uncommon for women to have 'silent' heart attacks because they don't always have typical symptoms, but even if you have be comforted by the thought that you should be having a lot of tests which will show up problems you might otherwise have been unaware of so you can have preventive treatment.

I hope that helps, somebody is always here to listen as we know what AF and its horrible gang of friends are like.....💕

[Deb1838 in reply to Buffafly]

Oh buffafly thank you it helps to hear of other people’s experiences and knowledge. When I calm down and get my sensible head on I will try to think positive, if there is something wrong then it will get sorted. I really appreciate your support. Deb

[rosyG in reply to Deb1838]

Hi Deb

Very much agree with Butterfly- just wanted to add that cos you will now be investigated properly they will be able to do what’s needed to prevent future problems. Wonderful treatments now to expand blood vessels so clots don’t form etc

Let us know how you get on

[wilsond in reply to rosyG]

Hi DebI had a TIA ( suspected mini stroke) last weekend but the most positive result was that it became apparent I was on largely ineffective medication, and now I am,after all the tests and their consultation s.This may be the same for you, that this turns out to be a kind of blessing in disguise?

[Finvola]

Hi Deb - that's news that none of us want to hear but Buffafly has given you some super advice so try to think positively and await a full investigation. If it is any consolation, I too have been investigated for a possible MI - twice. Neither was found to be the case.

Chin up - best wishes.

[Deb1838 in reply to Finvola]

Hi Finvola thank you that’s good to hear. Yes really good advice from everyone. Just need to learn to have some patience and see what the cardiologist says. Many thanks. Deb

[Adiepie in reply to Finvola]

Hi Deb - this was the same for me. Aged 56, went into A&E on blue lights with rampaging pulse and chest pain, was diagnosed with a "minor" MI (it might have been minor to them, I can assure you it wasn't for me!!). Then had an angiogram which was clear, finally diagnosed with PAF, then ablation two years later, three months ago. Doesn't life really kick you in the nuts (or equivalent...) at times! The really good thing however, is that you are being treated, so lose some of your worries and let the professionals take care of you. As you are aware by reading the posts in here, there is a very strong support group here, always available and willing to lighten your load!

[doodle68]

Hi Debs , I can imagine how shocked and scared you must have been when your Doctor mentioned 'heart attack' I am sure most of us would have reacted the same.

Can you try to take something positive from this , firstly you are still here and your health problems recognised.

Secondly you are now among the lucky ones who are forewarned and receive medication,treatment and monitoring. So many people have undiagnosed heart conditions and go on to have a stroke or heart attack and don't get a second chance like some of us. This is something I think about every day when taking my medication .

[Deb1838 in reply to doodle68]

Hi doodle68. You make a lot of good points and your right better to know something is wrong than die in ignorance. Maybe this AF was for a reason !!. Many thanks Deb

[BobD Volunteer]

Beware accepting ECG reports. They are often very wrong. Even doctors get it wrong on many occasions. It takes years of training to understand and properly read an ECG so anybody below consultant level I would treat with caution and as I said computer generated reports are never to be taken at face value in my view. I have seen far too many msitakes.

[Deb1838 in reply to BobD]

Thank you bob your opinion is always gratefully received and respected.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Deb

I'm not medically qualified, but like Bob I would not place too much trust in a GP read ECG.

As Max Bygraves used to say "let me tell you a story" 4 days after I was diagnosed in hospital I went to my GP and they insisted on an ECG. Of course the nurse wired me up and starting reading and halfway through she rushes our and brings back the senior partner.

They both look at the ECG very worried, and keep asking me "are you OK?" I reply yes...ish as far as I know, and the doctor says and I quote "we think you are having a heart attack".

Of course I asked have you called an ambulance, and they did not seem to panic, and referred me to an Urgent Chest Pain clinic, where 3 days later (see what I mean?) the extremely competent consultant nurse said to me "silly buggers" GPs who think they can read ECGs are the bain of my life.

Listen to your cardiologist,

Be well

Ian

[wilsond in reply to Beancounter]

Lovely story and very sensible!

[Hidden]

Hi Deb,

ask your GP to do a blood test for Troponin at the revised level for women. Raised Troponin levels are an indicator for heart attack / heart damage.

[Deb1838 in reply to Hidden]

Hi John. When I was admitted to hospital they did a troponin test and it was slightly raised I later had another which was the same but they said they thought it was because my heart was under stress.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Deb1838]

Mine was raised once due to having a DCCV and they panicked. Angiogram and echo later all clear .

[Deb1838 in reply to BobD]

Bob I had an echo couple of days after blood tests which showed good Lv but no mention of HA.

[Hidden]

Was that the standard level or the reduced level for women that was flagged this year? The troponin test is likely to be a better indicator of a heart attack or not.

[Deb1838]

I don’t know John.

I would of hoped that I would have been made aware of having a heart attack before leaving hospital and waiting 3 months to see the cardiology team

[Melleray]

Hi Deb - the doc said to my Mum 'When did you have your heart attack?' She said she hadn't had a heart attack, but apparently she had had one years ago, it was showing up on the ECG and no-one had noticed! By the way - she in now 87 and as fit as a fiddle. In my area I am seen at the Bristol Heart Hosp. and have access to the Arrhythmia nurses team who are brilliant and always helpful and get things done too. You may have a similar thing where you live. Best wishes xx

[RichMert]

Hello Deb, I would also be scared if told I had had a heart attack. It is good that they spotted this as so many people go undiagnosed for a long period of time. I am sure they will need to find a drug treatment that works for you and will no doubt book you in for an angiogram. At least now they will carry out all of the tests necessary to fix you.

Best wishes.