I had a heart attack/cardiac arrest on 28th December 2018. Diagnosed with Heart Failure after Echo on 30th December and follow up Echo at the end of February gave EF of 30%
Reviewed on 10th April, suggested to have an ICD implanted as at a risk of an arrhythmia at some point in the future that could cause a further cardiac arrest.
The shock of all this was like nothing I've ever experienced in my life before. I listened, and I mean really listened to all the medical people who explained what I needed to change in my life. I listened and did what they said - stop smoking, cut down on drink, change diet, loose weight, exercise/get fitter, take medicines, don't get stressed.
I've done all of the above, and can honestly say I feel so much better than I've felt in years.
So, today I went back to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital for my 6 month review, not really knowing what to expect, the last review came up with -"you need an ICD!" Met with my consultant, who looked through the records, asked how I felt etc. Explained the life style changes I'd made to which he replied, "Great you've been pro-active to your condition", listened to heart/chest, took blood pressure 152/81 (white coat syndrome again), and then said yes your heart has suffered some damage but I think you are asymptomatic , you no longer have heart failure and I'm going to discharge you, you'll still need to come to see the consultant who fitted your ICD and will see the pacing clinic every 12 months, but from my point of view, we've done everything we can and you're now fine, any questions?
Really wasn't expecting to hear that, so asked the question what if things went downhill? Got the answer no reason they should, just keep doing what you have been doing as regards lifestyle. The ICD is an insurance policy, he thought the change of it giving me a shock is less than 1%.
Came away on cloud 9. I'm actually more emotional after this meeting than I was after my heart attack.
I'm grateful to the people on this forum who have answered my questions and to everyone who has posted entries which have been so useful in helping me understand the issues around cardiac health matters. I will carry on offering my opinion (for what it's worth) on this forum, as all out comments on our conditions help other people who will suffer from a heart issue, and will carry on trying to learn more about matters of the heart.
To anyone out there who perhaps is not at present in the best place, please don't give up, you never know what is just around the corner.
Now I've promised myself a holiday once I got the nod that things were on the up - hopefully will also be sitting in the sun eating gelato in a few weeks time!
Travel insurance 
Introduction
Turned down an ICD/SICD offering?
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Mental health tips please
