Chronic Fatigue (CFS), Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

[CretanBob]

Hi Guys, I wonder if anyone has had a similar experience to myself.

I am 61, never smoked, always been fit, (stopped playing 5 a side 2 years ago) eaten a Mediterranean diet for the last 20 years and whilst enjoying a glass of wine, have never been a big drinker.

2 years ago, I started with breathing issues when bending to tie my shoes. Then gastro issues started to kick in and then pains in my chest and right lung. After that, tiredness, brain fog and a few other symptoms. NW lung Centre confirmed no lung issues, Gastro tests revealed nothing and heart was deemed to be strong. I had a few near fainting issues a year ago then finally did it, damaging my head. I was then diagnosed with CFS. Recent tilt table tests revealed syncopy issues (big drop in BP and heart rate occasionally (stood too long) and was prescribed Midodrine. Thank god I didn't get my hands on it because 5 weeks later I had a cardiac arrest and heart attack ( I was very lucky). Anyway, I had 2 stents fitted and some clean up on the 3rd artery. My recovery will be longer. I don't understand how low BP & HR can co exist with the heart attack and were the early symptoms angina type symptoms. Doctors and Cardiologists seem uninterested in the prior conditions.

Any similar experiences? (Bloods a week post op do not suggest any real issues)

Thanks for any help.

[IanMK]

Hi Bob

I’m 63 and was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy last year. Like you, I suspect, I thought I was in very good condition for my age (non-smoker, light drinker, good diet, active). No aches and pains, everything works. The only ‘defects’ were short-sightedness and enlarged prostate. Then all of a sudden I’m told I have Heart Failure.

One thing I have discovered from using this forum is that the fickle finger of fate doesn’t discriminate when it come to cardiac health problems.

Take it easy and get well soon.

[CretanBob in reply to IanMK]

Thanks Ian. Yes, one person told I was just unlucky. The CFS symptoms were pretty much the same as angina symptoms. I want to find out for my son in case it is genetic or he is unlucky!

[Lezzers]

Hi, my husband had virus round the heart & chest infection, was sent for an x ray as a precaution which came back all clear. A year later he had massive heart attack & cardiac arrest, he was only 42, wasn't able to have bypass due to the damage. On looking back some years earlier he'd been hospitalised overnight due to a virus round the heart. Maybe, this weakened the heart in some way. After the heart attack he had another heart virus but this is common after heart attacks. He now has moderate heart failure & 63 years old, so hasn't done too badly

[CretanBob in reply to Lezzers]

Thanks for that, He's done well, hasn't he! I had been unwell for two years (cost me my job after 12 months) and all the conditions were consistent with angina and various heart conditions but that was never checked as all the symptoms were treated separately.

The consultant that conducted the second stent said it may not be the silver bullet for everything, but it will be interesting to see if anything disappears after the heart and the medication settle down. Hope your hubby is good for another 20 years at least.

[Lezzers in reply to CretanBob]

Thank you, we're hopeful of another 20 years too! When he had his HA, he'd been to the hospital 3 times with shoulder pain that spread to his left arm & then spread across he's chest. Hospital put it down to muscle strain, them muscle sprain and then muscle virus. He then went to Dr who gave him some pain killers & said if he's gets no better go back to the hospital & tell them to stop listening to their machines & start listening to their patient!! Home from Drs 20 mins & he went into cardiac arrest!! Like I say that was 20 years ago. It really saddens me to think they're still getting it wrong!! But, we try not to dwell on things & are grateful he's now very well looked after. I wish you all the best for a happy & healthy future, just keep looking forward xx