CHD aged 29: Hi All, Just really... - British Heart Fou...

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CHD aged 29

Countryg1 profile image
11 Replies

Hi All,

Just really looking for anyone in a similar situation. I am 29 and relatively fit and healthy. I am however type 1 diabetic which is back to being controlled.

Up until 8 weeks ago I was healthy, I played hockey twice a week and went to the gym regularly. Then it all cbanged, after a near collapse on the hockey pitch and many tests later last week I had an angiogram and angioplasty. My LAD was completely blocked and I was told if they couldn't get the wire down I may need a bypass. Due to the location it was not safe to stent either. I am still struggling to get my head around the situation and I thought by now I would feel back to normal but I don't. I am still out of breath alot and very tired with my heart racing even walking across my landing.

Is this to be expected?

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Countryg1
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11 Replies
patience4 profile image
patience4

Hello. I’m not sure what I can say to help you. I had my first heart attack 11 years ago and the second in September. It can all be very overwhelming and scary. I was reminded by a cardiology nurse that I should put my experience in context. That is, out of three people who experience a heart attack only two survive. Sad very sad so I’ve been lucky. My only advice I can give is to ask as many questions as you wish. Don’t think you are asking the obvious. Having someone with you is very helpful as they will take in more info and boost your confidence of asking. Expect to get emotional perhaps a little depressed but see each day as a big bonus. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Loving-life profile image
Loving-life

Wow 29! This has obviously come as a huge shock especially as you were so fit. How do you get your head around this one? Well what I can say is it will be a rollercoaster of emotions for you for a while, this is completely normal! We have all been there and bought several tickets for this ride believe me. You are not alone in feeling this way. You are going through one of the biggest life changing experiences you will probably every face and all this at 29. I'm in my 40s and I thought that was young for a heart event! I dream 🤩😃.....

Do you know what they have planned for you, as once you have some idea then will start to feel a bit more In control? I can only imagine how you must be feeling , going from a high level of fitness, and especially being part of a team sport, to not being able to do the simplilest of things. It must be very frustrating. I was fit before my ha and just 2 weeks bed rest after stents fitted was a shocker. It took a while to get back up to fitness! Most of that was not wanting to push myself to far to soon. But once I started cardio rehab fitness speeded up. I was told by one of the ladies helping out at the cardio rehab that it took her a good 18 months to feel normal again and not riding the emotional rollercoaster on a regular basis . I felt like crying at this 18 months! But she was right . Though 18 months flew by.

Just give yourself time, and go easy on yourself, you have just received some devastating news you need time to process this, as it will hit you. And you need to be prepared for when it does. Accept help and support from everyone who gives it, they want to help and they may be coming to terms with it all to. It's ok to be angry though , i channelled this anger into my fitness regime, it was a great way to release it. So save it for rehab. Go treat yourself to something you really want you deserve it, afterall your still here that's worth celebrating.👍 plus news the time to binge on box sets or master an xbox's game, time to chill for a bit 🤩

And when you are back to full fitness (and you will get there, life may seem dark at the moment, but remain positive) and able to get back to playing for your team, why not organise a charity match or something and raise money for the BHF. They need all the help in raising money for more research or maybe a defibrillator for your ice drinking they don't already have one.

Keep posting to let us know how your journeys going!

Any questions you have you can always give the BHF nurses a call on 0300 330 3322, they are brilliant and show huge compassion when you need it most.

Take care and hugs x

isobelhannah18 profile image
isobelhannah18

I'm 65 but I was very fit and active and have never smoked, drank moderately and eat a Mediterranean diet so to say it was a massive shock is an understatement, so at your age it must be double the shock. I'm still partly in denial especially about the medication. I couldn't have a stent so have gone from 0 tablets to 9 overnight and of course no exercise. I've been angry, anxious, tearful, resentful, low in mood and just plain fed up. However, although I suffer from daily episodes of fatigue from the meds., I now walk briskly for 30 minutes a day, start cardiac rehab next week and my mood is stabilising so things do get better. Have a look at some of the previous posts on this forum because they are really encouraging and hopeful. I have posted what I thought were stupid questions but always received thoughtful, supportive replies.

Ronniesue profile image
Ronniesue

What a massive shock for you at your age! But things will feel better given time. I hope you get the treatment you need very soon. Meanwhile there is always someone on hear to listen or talk to who has been in a similar situation. Good luck and take care 💕

Try the Pumping Marvellous site too they are all very supportive and informative. xx

Stu888 profile image
Stu888

Hi Countryg1. Sorry to hear your news. I, like you, have been diagnosed with CHD at a young age and was a competitive sports person before so understand your frustration and anxiety. Try to think at least this has been discovered now so that you can be treated. Modern medicine is ever improving so your future is probably a lot better than you think. Joining this website is a very positive move for you as there are lots of people out there who will offer their support and advice. Take care and best wishes.

Stu888 profile image
Stu888

Good advice but do you recommend the Mediterranean diet in conjunction with statins?

They both appear to offer positive responses with regards to CHD.

isobelhannah18 profile image
isobelhannah18

If it's a corrupted version you're just kidding yourself that it's helping. I always look into independent research then make a decision.

Rob6868 profile image
Rob6868

Wise words from Concerned

Stu888 profile image
Stu888

Yes I agree that the benefits of statins are more to do with its anti inflammatory properties. I think if it wasn’t for the statin/pharmaceutical industries funding to establish LDL as the main cause of CHD over the last 30 years we’d be much closer to the real cause and treatment.

Pirahnawitch profile image
Pirahnawitch

Hi sorry to hear everything you have gone through. I am in a sort of similar situation as you. I was diagnosed with chd and angina six months ago at age 33. I haven't had any operations as I am under medical management currently. But I can't say that I was healthy before they found it. If you want to talk let me know.

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

I was interested to see that Dr Kendrick was recently removed from Wikipedia but have not seen a reason!

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