Advise

[Clonfert]

Getting discharged from hospital today after a heart attack on Saturday any hints what to do or not to do

[Chappychap]

1. Get a copy of your medical reports. You won't receive a massive amount of on-going support from the NHS, so you'll have to be pro-active in monitoring your own risk factors and progress. Metrics such as your HbA1c blood tests, for example, are critical for both understanding why you might have had a heart attack in the first place, and also gauging the likelihood of a repeat incident.

2. Sign up for the BHF on-line "cardio rehab course". There are only two things you can do to prevent another heart attack. Medication and life style changes. Of the two it's life style that's probably the more effective. Cardio rehab will arm you with the information you need to understand how your medication will help and what life style changes are most important.

3. Make sure your GP gives you the standard cardiac patient annual check-up in twelve months time. That should include a basic ECG, a blood pressure and heart rate check, recording your weight, and some blood tests that will do things like monitor your lipid levels and see if there's any drift towards insulin resistance/pre-diabetes.

Good luck!

[Clonfert in reply to Chappychap]

Thank you

[MONIREN]

Be kind to yourself! It's a complete life change, it's just a new normal. I make sure I know all my important health levels, I note it in my phone. I always update my own medication list, mine changes, if they see you are proactive, they do listen to you more. Take care.

[Clonfert in reply to MONIREN]

Thank you

[Pitt12345]

My husband was told by hospital, after his second heart attack that he should always have copies of his discharge notes and ecg with him if ever he went out of West Midlands as other areas couldnt access his records. !!! All the best

[RufusScamp in reply to Pitt12345]

I keep a list of important details in my mobile phone case, and make sure my husband has an up-to-date list of meds etc.

[Clonfert in reply to Pitt12345]

Thank you

[Mentdent]

Chappychap says it well. The only thing I’d add is give your heart six weeks for the injury to heal before you try to do too much. Cardiac rehab is virtually non existent at the moment. They all seem to be hiding behind Covid.

[Clonfert in reply to Mentdent]

Thank you

[PeterpPiper]

My advice, try not to be too focused on your own health ..get your mind onto the things you love, treat yourself as much as your finance will allow, enjoy the chilled out vibe the meds may cause... take it physically easy for a while and life is good .. and, welcome to the club

[Clonfert in reply to PeterpPiper]

Thank you

[Cookie2020]

Good morning First thing is to remember you have made it this far (great start)

Go home and take it easy for the next 4-6 weeks.

Make sure you have all the medicines that the hospital have given you and take them as prescribed (very important)

Also do not be afraid to ring 999 if things don’t feel right they prefer to be safe than sorry.

Also always keep your GTN Spray and aspirins to hand if ever needed they can help you a lot until help arrives.

Wish you all the best for the future 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Cheers Andy (Bull Dog)

[Clonfert in reply to Cookie2020]

Thank you

[MountainGoat52]

First and foremost, stay positive. Mental attitude really helps recovery. Hopefully the stents will improve your health - they did for me. A heart attack need not be the beginning of the end, but a call to having a healthier and active lifestyle. Take it steady at first and build up your strength in stages. I was told that my body would let me know if I had done too much and that was certainly true.

My best wishes for the future,

Gerald

[Clonfert in reply to MountainGoat52]

Thank you

[SPV123]

Yes i agree with all the comments here, but most of all i would say take plenty of time to adjust to your new situation, as for medical records, just keep a copy of your discharge note on your phone, also get a yearly pre payment certificate from the NHS, it covers you for all your meds and is only £10.49 by monthly direct debit, take care.

[Clonfert in reply to SPV123]

Thank you