Before Cardiac Arrest

[Cmacd1992]

Do people ever have pre warning signs before cardiac arrest? Like in the weeks before?

I questioned my doctor about this as I have been having chest pains and feeling weak with aches on my legs and arms. Breathing is fine etc tho. However he said as my ECG has been fine then I shouldn’t worry about things such as SCA or Heart Attacks as everything seems normal and has put the pains etc down to Anxiety pains.

[BobD Volunteer]

Interesting question with probably no sensible answer. I think some people may get premonitions of doom but that is not a physical reaction.

A "heart attack" is the result of reduction or blockage of the blood supply to some part of the heart muscle leading to cramp in the muscle and probable loss of some muscle mass. Although blockage of the artery(ies) may build up gradually leading to angina on exertion which causes cramping and pain in the heart, the sudden final bang usually has no warning.

Many years ago my borther in law had a sudden heart attack and my wife insisted I saw our GP "for tests". He assured me that an ECG would only show that I was not having a heart attack at that point in time and that predicting one was extremely difficult.

An angiogram, exercise stress test , echocardiogram etc may all show likelyhood of impending problems but your GP knows your medical history and is best positioned to decide if these tests are necessary.

[Cmacd1992 in reply to BobD]

Yes, I fully understand that SCA is just that it’s sudden just wasn’t sure if people had some symptoms before hand or if it is all just in my head as the doctor has said. I have been referred for a stress test, echo and Holter monitor as the doctor has said if I see that there is no issues then hopefully this should settle my mind. I will fully admit it is a genuine fear daily now that I can’t get out my head!

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Cmacd1992]

As the old saying goes, "the only thing you have to fear is fear." If GP has orderd those tests then please accept the results and move on .

[Hidden]

I dont know of any precardiac arrest warnings specifically but there are many reasons for cardiac arrest other than heart attack, such as electrical shock, electrolyte imbalance, etc. Anxiety about a problem can lead to a realization of the problem so I would try very hard to stop your anxiety about having it. Medicine is not an exact science and the mind body connection is strong. What your mind thinks, your body hears... so change the channel. 💜