confused.. heart attack.. yes or no?

[Manhattan1]

i was admitted to hospital about 14 months ago with chest pain.. fatigue and dizziness.. they carried out a tropinin blood test on admittance and ecg.. was then asked to wait 10 hours till anothertropinin test was done.. after about 8 hrs sitting in medical assessment unit a nurse took me into a room and she had a folder with previous ecg results taken in previous years... ‘it looks as though you’re had a previous heart attack’ she said!.. i told her i’d never been informed of that before.. ‘well if no one has told you that.. then you haven’t had one’! what can you say to that? lol.. 2nd tropinin test carried out and was told it was better than first one and there was no heart muscle damage.. seen by consultant on duty who discovered i had a murmer but current Cardiologist said not to be worried.. discharged and went home.. under Cardiologist for microvascular angina.. i’ve never brought the subject up with him as i’d feel stupid as he’s never mentioned me having a previous heart attack..

[Zena166]

Hi Manhattan. It’s not stupid. You were told a specific piece of information and I think you should seek clarification. It possibly won’t alter any treatment decisions but it’s important to ask the question. There is no stupid Question. Also the cardiologist may not have reviewed all previous ECGs so it is worth mentioning next time you see them Do take care. Best wishes. Zena

[Manhattan1 in reply to Zena166]

thanks Zena... probably won’t see him for a while.. saw him last month for a 5th appointment.. think he’s happy with the way current medication is working and i’ve been signed off from his Clinic.. God forbid i’m admitted to hospital any time soon.. but if i am.. i’ll be bringing up the heart attack question..

[Zena166 in reply to Manhattan1]

Maybe next time you see your GP discuss with them as well. You are probably on the same medication that we have after a heart attack anyway but maybe worth mentioning when you next see GP. Take care. Zena

[Manhattan1 in reply to Zena166]

will definitely see GP and seek clarification.. thanks Zena!

[stevejb1810]

To zen A’s point , no question is a stupid one especially when you had conflicting information. Unfortunately too often patients do not get a clear picture of what is wrong, in part because they are still trying to deal with shock to be thinking clearly and asking the right questions. As you have now been discharged from the clinic, your best bet for a clear answer will be your GP who should have correspondence from your cardiologist.

[Manhattan1 in reply to stevejb1810]

thanks Steve.. i go on holiday in June.. so definitely need clarification.. will make a point of visiting GP before i go

[sturon]

No question is ever stupid when it comes to your health after all it is your body and your life. I have found being demanding, in a positive not confrontational way, is a good way to get a full explanation. Ask for copies of letters sent to your GP and make a list of any questions you have before any appointment. If you don't have a hospital consultant appointment pending go and talk to your GP. My moto is - ask, ask, ask, seek clarification and take your time, never let them rush you. Ask your GP or consultant to review your complete medical history. It is vitally important you ask your GP what they would put on any medical declaration if you ever needed to claim on an insurance policy. All too often we fail to declare something to an insurance company and then if a claim is made they refuse to pay out because the GP says there was something in your history you didn't know about.

Good luck and hope that is of some help.

Regards Ron.

[Manhattan1 in reply to sturon]

appreciate the advice.. next visit to the GP i will definitely bring the matter up.. many thanks sturon!