How did you feel when you found you had a heart condition??

[SJ1000]

I love reading the posts within this community, it really does help me grow and understand about mine and many others heart conditions. 2 years ago, aged 50 I was diagnosed with. 30% blockage of my LAD (CT Angiogram), a 50% blockage of my right Carotid, an unspecified heart arrhythmia (stress test) high BP, cholesterol of 7.1, now 1.9 and a heart syncope issue (table tilt test) All small potatoes individually, but seemed to add collectively to make a much bigger issue, which ultimately led me to leave my life in Florida and return to the U.K.

I’ve been home 6 months now, so glad we made the move but I really struggle with all of these issues mentally. I know there are so many people with more severe and immediate life threatening issues and my heart goes out to them, but I’m a worrier. Always have been, always will be I guess. I never really have my health a second thought but now I’m always anxious about how I feel, should I worry when my BP is higher than usual and I really struggle with my new lifestyle and reducing the fat I eat. Food seems such a misery now, and as a skinny guy naturally the lack of fat in my diet really has impacted my body weight negatively and I wanted to ask how the group balances eating healthily against eating treats or even just regular food and are there any other worries out there??

Would love to hear your words of wisdom!!

[woodbon]

Hi, I can totally understand how you must feel. I found out about my heart condition after having chest pain and feeling as if I was breathing though a wet cloth. By the time I arrived at hospital I had started to feel better, but very worried. I had to go back the next day for an echo, and that discovered an ejection fraction of 40% and left ventricular impairment also some valve problems. I did all the things that you shouldn't like Googling every tiny thing and came up with some very strange ideas. MY GP and cardiologist explained things and I started to feel better. I think that finding out you have a heart condition is frightening and it's so easy to only think of the worst, but with help from professionals treating you and also sites likee this one, it helps to put things in perspective. Don't be frightened to let your GP and anyone treating you that you are afraid and worried, as this will help them treat your fears.

I still get frightened from time to time, but nothing like I felt in the first few months of diagnosis. That's my story and I hope it helps. XXX

[SJ1000 in reply to woodbon]

Thank you for your reply and sorry I didn’t reply sooner. It’s great to hear I’m not alone in how I’m feeling following my diagnosis. Thanks again.

[Hidden]

Hello to you, well shock was the only word that comes to mind also vast relief at finally having a name put to years [ the time went fast ] of this odd pressure feeling that made me slowly change how I lived my life.

It became such a part of my life that I successfully worked my way around it hiding it from family and friends purely because I had been told that I was a fit and healthy man by Drs. [who I only went to dragging and screaming]

I am very lucky that I don’t suffer anxiety { my sister does } so I can feel for you.

As for the balance of treats healthy eating etc, I think that folks just presume that as I’m a vegan I don’t like sweet things........so wrong!

I crave chocolate and vegan choc is just as fattening as any other, I adore coconut fat made cakes and pudding all the same calories if not more as other “normal” ones.

I think the secret is already in your words, treats, enjoy them as that,

I wish you and your loved ones well, another heart felt story that I’m glad you shared

[SJ1000 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your uplifting message. Really made a difference!!

[080311]

Hello,

I think when any of us are given the news of a heart issue it’s as if the ground as opened up under our feet. The life we had flies out of the window and the new normal flies in. We have a new way of living, medication to take daily a healthy diet and making sure we take our exercise.

I had Aortic valve replaced and bypass done 4 years ago and life now is different but good.

Lots of us on the forum follow the Mediterranean diet recommended by BHF not a diet as such but a healthy way of eating. If you look on the BHF website you will find lots of help with what to eat, lots of recipes too.

Just remember there is life after heart issues, maybe a bit different than we had but a really good life.

Best wishes Pauline

[SJ1000 in reply to 080311]

Thanks for the reality check. It’s the adjustment to a whole new food regime that I struggle with. Not in that it’s hard but in that so many foods we all love are just off the menu now. And I feel like a ticking time bomb just waiting for the worst to come. That’s a real mental hurdle that I just haven’t got over even 2 years on. Thanks for your reply, it really meant a lot!!