New poster

[Kazzy60]

Hi I’m Karen age 60. I had a heart attack on 30.1.2020 and, an angiogram showed no blockage so I am now waiting for an echo. I have been well since the attack and luckily have had nothing further, that doesn’t stop my mind going into overdrive though and worrying. X

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi Karen. I was lucky when I had my heart attack in that they found a blocked artery. So at least I can feel fixed following a stent. It’s great that you’re feeling well and don’t have any more symptoms. I find it helps focusing on the things I can do to stop it happening again: eating as well as I can, exercising, taking the meds and generally trying to take life as it comes. Mainly it works and I feel a lot better than I did 3 and a half years ago before I had my heart attack. Have you been offered cardio rehab? That’s great if you can go as you’ll meet loads of other people who’ve been through exactly what you’re going through. Take care and try not to be anxious. Sounds like you’re doing brilliantly.

[Kazzy60 in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Hi, I was expecting a stent to be Fair because they said it was a ‘substantial’ heart attack? The doctor even mentioned bypass so when it turned out all was clear I’m left wondering all sorts of daft things. They told me someone will be in touch from cardio rehab... so I’m just waiting for that now so I can talk to someone about things. Great to hear your feeling better and thank you for your kind words

[Rose54]

Hi

Completely understand as I had HA may 2019 no stents as presure was ok but it does not stop you thinking will it happen again.

Totally agree with NorthhantsSteve just do all you can to stay well.

Good Luck

[Kazzy60 in reply to Rose54]

Thank you Rose, I wish I had asked more while in hospital but because I felt so well I think I was in a bit of denial. Thank you for replying x

[Rose54 in reply to Kazzy60]

Hi

If you can do the Rehab programme it will help build your confidence.

I have days I forget about what happened then get really anxious and worry about heartbeat and imagine all sorts of things .

Thank god my blood presure cuff monitor heart beat as well .

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Kazzy60

Welcome to the forum

Have the Cardiologists given you an explanation as to why you had your heart attack?

About 6% of heart attacks occur without blockages Myocardial infarction no obstructed coronary arteries

( MINOCA)

Hopefully the cause of your heart attack will be confirmed and you can then feel less anxious about the future.

For me knowing why I have my symptoms helps me feel less anxious.

Cardiac rehab as NorthantsSteve has already said is great. The Cardiac rehab nurses I am sure will be able to help you.

[Kazzy60 in reply to Milkfairy]

Hi milkfairy, I haven’t had any explanation as to why but they did ask was I stressed at the time, which I was but I didn’t think I was that stressed it would cause a heart attack. Hopefully the echo will tell me more but they said that will be in about 3mths. Again that makes me feel they are not to worried so I don’t need to be but.. lay in bed at night those pesky thoughts run wild thank you for replying

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Kazzy60]

There is another condition called

Takostubso cardiomyopathy it can happen when you are very stressed. It can be mistaken for a heart attack as it causes very high levels of Troponin to be released into your blood stream.

The uncertainly does sometimes let your mind go into over drive.

Thoughts however are just that thoughts even though they can feel very real and like facts.

Have you got a good GP?

Perhaps go and see them and discuss how you are feeling.

I have to manage my stress carefully as I live with vasospastic angina which can also cause a heart attack even though I do not have any blockages in my coronary arteries.

I find Mindfulness meditation, yoga and Tai Chi all helps me.

I use this free app it has loads of different meditations. Perhaps listen to one while you are lying in bed to help manage those pesky thoughts.

insighttimer.com/meditation...

[Kazzy60 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks for all that info, I have been so tempted to turn to Mr Google to see what my symptoms bring up but I though I better not... lol, I would probably end up feeling worse about it all. I do have a good GP and was just giving them this week to receive all the info from the hospital then make an appointment. I will certainly be trying the app thank you so much it is really appreciated.

[Modeller3]

Hi kazzy60 I was in hospital on the 25 Jan with heart pain

had a angiogram no blockages. But have heart failure with medication feeling fine now so do worry .

All the best

[HugoR1]

It must be very worrying for you. I know it's easy for me to say but try and take it easy and focus on what you like doing. It will help to relieve the stress you are feeling xx

[Qualipop]

You need answers as to why it happened. Please go to your GP or contact the cardiologiust and ask to see someone, then write down all your questions. After my heart attack I felt that they just fix your plumbing then kick you out with no explanations at all. They seem to have no regard for he patient's frame of mind. Ask ask and ask.

[pepper_uk]

Hi

My husband has just advised me that his work colleague had a problem with his heart, he had a heart attack that he has said was not caused by blocked arteries. It was a gland in his heart that works with the rhythm that was the problem apparently.

I have just started Cardiac Rehab and it is well worth the time for 12 weeks I feel, it is fun, educational and nice to meet others in similar circumstances as myself.

I hope you get to the bottom of what caused your heart attack.

[Kazzy60]

Thank you everyone, I have got an appointment at the doctor today