Newbie

[Tinks01]

Hi all im new to the group just before Christmas i had what was believed a heart attack at 34 brought on by trauma I am recently home from hospital and trying to absorb it all I was told they believe my condition to be 1 of 2 things a heart attack or broken heart syndrome which not much is known about I'm just wondering if there are many around my age or younger that have experienced this out of interest and how are you dealing with processing it all and possible changes to your lives alps happy new year everyone ☺️

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Tinks01

Welcome to the forum

Takostubo Cardiomyopathy/ syndrome is the term also used to describe when someone has severe chest pain, unobstructed coronary arteries, high levels of Troponin released into the blood and a change to the shape of the heart muscle seen on an echocardiogram and ST elevations on your ECG .

It is more common in women after a major stress.

Prof Dana Dawson a BHF funded researcher is actively researching into the condition.

blog.bhf.org.uk/the-researc...

cardiomyopathy.org/takotsub...

Another cause of a heart attack in younger women without any blockages in your coronary arteries is Vasospastic angina. A prolonged constriction in one of the coronary arteries due to a vasospasm can also cause a heart attack. Again lots of chest pain, raised troponin blood levels and ECG changes such as ST elevations.

The BHF website has this information about Vasospastic angina and a related condition microvascular angina

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Have you had any further tests to determine what the cause of your problems are?

Usually a echocardiogram or Perfusion MRI are performed to help the Cardiology team to decide the cause of your problem.

The treatment is different for each cause.

7 years ago I was admitted to CCU because they thought I was having a heart attack. I nearly did, I was having coronary artery spasms. I met a very astute Cardiologist ( he's still my Cardiologist) who started an infusion of IV GTN and this stopped the vasospasms and prevented any permanent damage to my heart muscle.

I wasn't allowed home until I had had a Cardiac MRI.

I acknowledge your bewilderment.

I suggest you have a look at the information I have given you.

Then discuss everything with the Cardiology team . Ask if necessary to be referred to another specialist

Are you booked into Cardiac Rehab classes?

It all takes time to recover from any trauma and if you are finding problems emotionally pethaps speak to your GP or ask the Cardiac Rehab nurses if you can see a Cardiac psychologist.

There are lots of other people on the forum who will no doubt be along to share their experience with you too.

[Tinks01 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you I will have a good read through these as it's all so new to me and I'm a bit lost in it all currently with not much understanding so these will be great many thanks

[Prada47]

Hi Tinks nice to meet you.

Snap I was 34 when I had a Heart Attack and I will be 73 this year so hang in there plenty of time left yet. I have led a full and active life. I did stop Smoking straight away which was easy, Especially when the Cardiologist said " If you smoke again it will shorten your Life considerably" so I stopped. You have to stay positive, it's very rare I think about having another Heart Attack, that was just something that happened so lets move on. Not in perfect health but more than able to cope as I am sure you will be.

Take Care and warm Wishes for 2020

Frank W aka Prada

[Tinks01 in reply to Prada47]

Aw thank you this is very reassuring I've never smoked drink very occasionally at christmas and occasions never used drugs but have came to realise this is all trauma related since being home from hospital my heart feels irregular and beats oddly at times and then at others is fine I'm awaiting an appointment soon to see what next I have 4 children so it came as a huge shock to us all I think now its all about waiting to see what's said at this next appointment they hold the key hopefully to a lot of answers I hope you have a happy and healthy new year

[Yorkie0]

Hi Tinks,

Welcome, I had a heart attack at 44, out of the blue. It takes time to adjust, learn, adapt to the new way things are.

There’s also a closed Facebook page ‘Pumping Marvellous’ which is also a great source of support and info.

Most of all, be kind to yourself...

[Tinks01 in reply to Yorkie0]

Amazing that the doctors seemed so shocked however I'm not the only one to have experienced this at a young age I'm sure it's quite rare but all the same thank you it is a lot to take on board but I'm just happy to be back home I do feel grateful il check out the facebook page any information or help is appreciated so thanks for letting me know