I had a heart attack two days ago one stent fitted was very mild and didn’t realise I was having one can I live a normal life
Heart attack : I had a heart attack two... - British Heart Fou...
Heart attack
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Laneside
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That depends how you define a "normal life".
The life you've led up to now is the life that led you to a heart attack. If you keep living that same life it will likely lead to more heart attacks.
That’s is true but I was leading a normal healthy lifestyle and can’t understand how it happy
How it happened
You raise a good point. I think the NHS does a pretty good job of dealing with heart disease/heart attack patients who fit the classic mould of overweight, smokers, terrible diet, etc. But for patients who previously lived well the NHS doesn't provide much in the way of explanation. As often as not you'll just get a shrug of the shoulders and a narrative about family history or random bad luck.
But there are life style explanations for heart disease that come with solid scientific pedigrees yet don't fit the traditional view. For example there's a proven link between gum disease and heart disease. The NHS recognises the link,
nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-bo...
but even so better oral hygiene doesn't feature prominently in the life style advice given to heart patients. Were you told that flossing could be a way of preventing future heart incidents?
There are many, many more, sleep apnea, shift work/broken sleep and elevated cortisol levels, excessive carbs and insulin resistance, etc etc.
The bottom line is that if you had a healthy life style but still had a heart disease related heart attack, then you'll either have to be very fortunate in having an engaged and inquisitive GP, or you'll have to put the detective work in yourself.
Good luck!
What about people like me?
No risk factors for heart disease, clear coronary arteries but still at risk of a heart attack because of coronary vasospastic angina?
Hello Milkfairy, I was actually thinking of you as I was writing! Which is why I qualified my comments in the first sentence with "heart disease/heart attack". I recognise there are people who can suffer heart attacks without having heart disease, but as that's not an area I've ever investigated I tried to be clear that my comments were restricted to those people who suffer a heart attack as a result of large artery atherosclerosis.
Vasospastic angina is a type of Non obstructive coronary artery disease.
It's still heart disease😊
Point taken. I’m using “heart disease” not in the sense of “a disease of the heart”, but as the specific disease of atherosclerosis. I appreciate it’s ambivalent and I’ll try and be clearer in future, but in my defence I see the same usage by the BHF and the NHS.
Work in progress as they say😉
Milkfairy Have you actually had a heart attack?
I am given IV GTN which helps to stop my coronary artery vasopasms which can damage my heart.It stops my angina pain too!
Onetime I wasn't allowed home until I had had a Perfusion MRI to check that my heart hadn't been damaged as the doctors were unsure if I'd had a heart attack.
Thankfully it wasn't.
So a close shave. I have so far always got into hospital in time.
I am admitted about once a year.
About 6 % of heart attacks occur without permanent blockages in the coronary arteries.
So to clarify - have you actually had a heart attack?
I live with vasospastic angina which can if severe can lead to a heart attack arrthymias causing cardiac arrest.
This has happened to several forum members who live with vasospastic angina.
Whether I have or have not had a heart attack has been the subject of debate by the Cardiologists responsible for my care.
Thank you for the reply I’m just in total shock at the moment and can’t stop crying it’s like a roller coaster
Hello Laneside
It can be completely bewildering when we have our heart event.
I started my new life with my heart condition 9 years ago.
Others on the forum are much more seasoned travellers.
We're all still here.
A few alterations to our lives may have happened but that doesn't mean our lives cannot be enjoyed.
Be kind to yourself. It takes time to come to terms with what has happened.
Talk to your Cardiac rehab team, Cardiologist and GP.
Don't worry there is no such thing as a silly question.
Another good resource is the BHF helpline where you can speak to one of the Cardiac nurses.
"Heart Helpline | British Heart Foundation" bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
Thank you soMuch for your reply I’m only 53 lead a healthy lifestyle worked full time came out of hospital yesterday with a bag of tablets told I had a minor heart attack and had a stent fitted I thought I was suffering indigestion it’s been a horrendous few days
Indigestion is all I had for two days untl I got a bit of pain down my arm and called an ambulance. That was August 2018, I had 2 stents and they found two other blockages that didn't need stenting yet. I was given no advice at all. You should be contacted by a cardiac rehab nurse who will talk through everything with you and you can ask anything.. and set your mind at rest. Even if you have a healthy lifestyle there may be small changes you can make. Apart from issues with some of my tablets which were eventually sorted and dietary changes ( It wasn't bad to start with), I'm still here living the same life as before. Get your GP to go through your discharge letter with you and explain how bad - or NOT, it was and what you need to do. You've been given a second chance.
Almost a year ago this week I had indigestion that would not go away. I knew it was a symptom of a heart attack. I drove myself to the hospital and into the emergency room. The doctor said, are you sure you had one, I said I think so. Two hours later he confirmed I did. Two days later I had two stents put in. They told me the one was blocked 96% and the other 94%, A few days earlier I had ridden my bike for 15kms up some steep terrain with no problems.
My experience was very similar, had an indigestion pain that continued, went cycling and exercising and ignored the pain. Eventually went to doctor who arranged an ECG, confirmed a heart attack caused by block artery in the LAD. Went to hospital and had two stents fitted and sent home. I bit of a shock! Now cycling again and changed my diet, fingers crossed that I will be OK.
Forget your Doctor, I am normal weight, walk, mountain bike ,windsurf but had high blood pressure, 156/75 although this was flagged by the hospital after an x-ray the medical profession did nothing. I had a mild heart attack last September and had a stent fitted. What really annoyed me is there were other people who had had a scan and as a result had a stent fitted, but no, our practice waited until I had a heart attack. Do not rely on the medical profession they seem like Dentists just in it for the money.
Yes I will be changing my doctor some are just useless.
• in reply toMilkfairy
"Talk to your Cardiac rehab team, Cardiologist and GP" are you serious? I wish I could but no chance I feel like I have been left out on a limb! All the literature says that it is crucial to communicate with your rehab yet it's a month since I had my heart attack albeit a mild one and still nothing.
I am sorry you are in this situation.
Many heart patients have felt out in the wildness as you describe because of the Covid pandemic.
The BHF issued a report about this very issue recently.
Many classes have gone online.
Some people aren't even offered Cardiac rehab when they should be.
Contact the Patient Advisory Liaison Service of your local trust and raise your concerns with them.
That's a tad harsh, not everyone who has a HA has led an unhealthy lifestyle.
My husband didn't smoke, drink or eat junk food, he was slim and active yet out the blue he had a HA.
I don't understand what's "harsh" in my comments? Please explain further and I'll try and respond.
• in reply toChappychap
How very, very rude!!!
Chappychap• in reply to
How so? I'm simply putting the case that "life style" shouldn't be restricted to issues like obesity or exercise. For some people the life style issues that led to their heart attack might have been, for example, gum disease.
I can't either - you are giving a personal point of view and have made it as specific as possible, trying to relate it to your experiences and to the writers.
• in reply toChappychap
No. You were being opinionated and belittling. Anyone, repeat anyone, can have a Heart Attack whether they have a Heart Disease or not. It happens!!
Lincoln410• in reply to
Hi Snowflake, I think you misread Chappychaps content and intention. This is a very positive forum for us all to share experiences fears and knowledge whether it be opinion or science based. Best for us all to keep it as friendly and objective as possible don’t you think 👍🙏
• in reply toLincoln410
Hi. Not at all. Read the first part of Chappy Chaps Answer again. Quote: 'The Life you have lead so far has led you to a Heart Attack'!! Obviously the Poster was concerned and, he was in my opinion, just judging his/her Lifestyle which is just not right. THANKS for your 'Input' though. Also, if he doesn't like what I said there is always an option to report!!
Chappychap• in reply to
Snowlflake, you really should reflect a little before spouting your insults and nonsense.
I'm big enough and ugly enough to ignore your rudeness. But I can't ignore your misinformation. By far the largest cause of all heart attacks (and also strokes for that matter) is coronary heart disease or atherosclerosis.
• in reply toChappychap
Really? Just another 'Know it All" in my Books!! Not answering you again you are just NOT worth it. Anymore, and I will report you myself. That is saying it in Plain English. Is it any wonder the NHS etc 'love people like you'??? That is sarcasm in case you are NOT aware of it!!
Lincoln410• in reply to
Hi I understand your point but I don’t read anything that is belittling or judgemental. I too had a HA and Tripple bypass in 2018. I have, for as long as I can remember followed what I thought to be a healthy lifestyle eating lots of fruit, salad, veg and fish etc along with being active. The cardiologist suggested that the clogging of arteries had probably started from a very young age and no matter what we consider a healthy lifestyle it’s the way our genetics leave our bodies dealing with what we do and eat which determines ultimately how our health develops. I think that this was the point that Chappy was trying to make. I guess most if not all of us ask “why me” but the top and bottom of it is that a number of scientific factors have come together over time to make it “Us”.
I wish you and all on here all the very best 👍
Yes, this is true to a point, but like the OP I was living a healthy lifestyle. In my case the answer is about 99% genetics --- my father had CAD, my brother has struggled with high cholesterol -- so I'm putting my faith in medication. I can't modify my lifestyle enough to make a real difference.
Hi Pasigal, I agree with you that genetics are a huge factor but also think that there are certainly lifestyle factors, diet, exercise, stress etc that have significant impact, the difficulty is knowing just which of these affects us individually the most. There seems to be increasing science that there is no direct link between fat - animal or vegetable - to heart disease but if we have high cholesterol- genetic or lifestyle- and a high sugar intake, then we are susceptible. I think there are changes we can make as well as placing our trust in the meds. Great news today, Cholesterol at time of HA 8.3, today 3.7👍😀
You certainly can I had one elven years ago two stents fitted I also didnt know it was a heart attack very mild but still a heart attack .I'm fine now but you will need to change .plenty of information on here to help you don't worry things will get better cardiovascular rehab is very good make sure you attend good luck
May I ask how old you are. Did you ever smoke. Were you stressed. I meet a lot of people who run miles every day also who give themselves “treat” after like a doughnut etc. A healthy life after after a heart attack means really looking into your lifestyle. It’s means a new discipline. How you cope with stress. Really being strict with what you eat and exercise exercise. I was one of those people who had angina for two years and was told it was muscular because all my tests came back negative. I eat the right food and had tons of exercise. However I find it hard to cope with stress. One and a half years after my bypass I feel fine
I’m 53 female no heart problems in my family I do stress a lot about things so I guess that hasn’t helped me I don’t smoke although I do drink alcohol I eat pretty healthy exercise and work full time
• in reply toLaneside
Good morning laneside, I like you am also 53 , I had a major ha four weeks ago and in the same way was handed a bag of pills and shown the door . I was told by a doctor that mine was genetic, both my parents died of heart attacks early in life as did my brother . For the first few weeks this hub was a lifeline, people really help you through the darkeness and the query of why me ??!? This week for me has been good or rather I slept well last night and I feel ok today . If you want a wee gab , gimmie a message , we can get through this , one day at a time
Laneside• in reply to
Thank you for your reply I’m in a horrible place at the moment scared anxious and feel so alone which is very unusual as I’m normally such a happy person
• in reply toLaneside
You will feel better I promise you ! This feeling won’t last forever, after Mine I cryed so much I didn’t sleep for five days for the fear that I’d have another one and I wouldn’t wake up . The pains in my chest and the bubblin feeling terrified me , it really shook me to the point where I sometimes thought ok I can’t take it just kill me already . I also had a near death experience when getting stented as well . And I’m positive I died , this lead me to a very dark place which I’m still in . Belive me honestly it will get better , just not yet , you’ve been a huge trauma, the biggest of your life so far . Hit me up anytime.
Laneside• in reply to
Thank you how are you feeling I’ve feeling a bit better day two of not crying been walking but I find it hard afterwards don’t know if it’s physolocal but I get a pain in my chest hope you’re feeling better x
• in reply toLaneside
Hey there ! I’m doing ok , I’m glad the weeping as supposed a bit for you , I agree with the walking !! I get so puffed and I don’t think I’m walking enough compared to some on here , if I get 4000 steps a day I’m happy with that !! I have some outdoor rehab class thingy next week that apparently only lasts 15 mins , so we will see what that’s about, like you , the down days are tough and the light at the end of the tunnel is distant , so I’m so happy you seem to be doing better !!
Laneside• in reply to
Thank you I guess it just take time I’m trying not to stress to much I hope one day I will be normal again x
In short, we are all different in terms of physical condition, lifestyle and mental response to things.And we all have different definitions of a normal life.
Good luck. You’ll probably learn a lot more on this forum than you will from the NHS.
Hi Laneside,
This all depends on how much damage was done to your heart during the attack, time is of the essence dealing with heart attacks, the heart muscle unfortunately doesn't regenerate after damage. If you restore the blood supply within a few hours of the attack then the likelihood is that little permanent damage will be done, hopefully this will be your case.
After an attack you are more susceptible to arrythmias because the nerve pathways can be disrupted around the damaged area, my personal experience was of sudden tachycardia attacks and eventually Afib about two months, after as the scar tissue forms.
My own problems are controlled with various meds and I continue a 'normal' life although my days of playing squash and lots of running are over.
Good luck
Hi there and welcome to the board. I too had a mild heart attack 3 months ago and like you was discharged with a bag of drugs, 3 stents in my case (now 6) and the family history explanation, given my sister and father both had HA's (and my father died at 58). My BP and cholesterol were 'unremarkable', never smoked, drink reasonable alcohol not overweight. I also had regular hygiene appointments at the dentist- to answer another poster and did the recommended amount of moderate exercise.
Perhaps travelling 100000 miles on a plane annually was my issue, although 60000 of those were on holiday and normally at the front of the plane. Or my fondness for eating cheese at the weekend. Who knows?
Sometimes bad stuff happens to 'good' people. My liver (and those of my relatives) seems to be very good at making stuff that gums up my heart.
The drugs have got my BP and cholesterol down to low levels. I count myself very fortunate to have got good care from the NHS and to retain excellent heart function despite the HA.
While my life is changing (definitely being more careful with cheese) I do intend to lead as normal a life as I can - I'm back at work full time and intending to go on holiday as soon as the government lets me.
Top tip: if you're not exempt from paying for prescriptions get yourself an NHS prepayment certificate - it'll pay for itself within 3 months for all the drugs.
Snap! Same "boat" as you Laneside and I wasn't even stented! But the cardiac centre found, in my 5 night stay in hospital, that I had a bicuspid aortic valve. But 18 months on and the usual cocktail of meds I can run a 5km in 31 minutes (my best 18 months ago was 24minutes!) I can now cycle 50km in 3.5 hours.
Living with the uncertainty (in my case the bicuspid valve) and waiting for follow-up appointments is, how to put it - challenging.
No doubt in my case my HA (age 59 and super fit and healthy) was stress induced and I've given up work at the age of 61 (and I know this is not an option for everyone) and any rare episodes of angina I suffer are invariably stress related. I use GTN for that and it works.
I won't deny it's been a long journey and crying has occurred in very high stress situations (twice in 18 months).
I find the use of the BHF resources invaluable and the cardiac rehab sessions I was fortunate to attend pre-lockdown also very ,very useful and the team supportive as were other folk on the programme. So do keep using this forum for peer support.
Wish you, John
Same here. I led a healthy lifestyle, ate well, exercised sensibly, no heart issues in the family ...I had a heart attack one year ago 3 stents... give yourself some time to accept what’s happened and then YES you can lead a normal life. I’m not one for advertising my health situation and most of my colleagues don’t even know ... the main issue has been getting used to a few side effects of the meds but that has now passed. You only got ONE stent .... cmon man you are top top :))
Hi Laneside,Sorry to hear that you’ve had a heart attack. Your question was "can I live a normal life".
I think normal has a different meaning for different people.
Some on here, after heart attack and major surgery runs marathons, cycle a gazillion miles every week and are generally fit. Personally I couldn’t do that before I had a heart attack 😳🤣🤣🤣🤣
But in reality, life will probably change for you. My heart disease is hereditary but I still eat more healthily than I did, I exercise differently and try not to have too much stress in my life. Basically try to slow the heart disease down as much as I can.
I try not to have sex more than seven times a week (hahahah well I am James Bond 🤭😂😂😂😂 - My wife just said "keep dreaming sunshine ☹️).
I had heart attacks, a handful of stents and a handful of bypasses. I still do gardening, I have installed a new bathroom suit and due to do another.
12 weeks after heart surgery I was riding my Triumph Bonneville motorbike (not bad at 65 years of age).
Now at 67 years of age we’re waiting to have an old motorhome to tour the U.K. and Europe.
I sing in a mail voice choir to help charities and I play guitar and sing with our local U3A group.
My wife and I even did a one and a half hour gig on the front of our house for V.E. Day for our neighbours (none of them speak to us now 🥴😄😄😄).
I try not to think in the terms of "a normal life" because that’s subjective. I prefer to think that "life is what you make it" considering the cards you’ve been dealt.
Best of luck you survivor you 👍
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My name is Bond, James Bond and I take my aspirin shaken not stirred 🍸
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In principle, the answer is yes you can need a life that most people would regard as normal. You may need to make some adjustments and in particular exercise more. I had my HA three and a half years ago, and was treated with two stents. After recovery and rehab I would say that I feel completely normal, I enjoy life and nobody would guess that I had a heart attack. I have since travelled to remote parts of the world, cycle actively and regularly and enjoy family and cultural life (apart from lockdown, of course). I know it is hard, you are in shock at having suddenly had to confront death, but try to be positive and enjoy the added years that modern medicine has given you. Things really can and do get better.
You sure can 👍
Hello yes you can just take it baby steps at a time but its not always about life style but if you are overweight or smoke can be a big factor , I'm bit heavier than I should be , slim people can have HA too , but always ive eat healthy had high cholesterol which apparently is genetic . 1 year ago I had a HA and 1 stent very mild not what I expected at all with HA , I didn't know either just bit ear ache put that down to cold weather as I was gardening , a bit of back ache across my shoulders which I put down to recovering from rotator cuff op had it all week rang the doctor whom agreed with me , at the weekend i decided to call 999 just for advice very apologetic for ringing them , they came out decided to take me to the hospital, apparently had one couple of days before , shocked worry over every ache and pain or twinge though as it knocks your confidence , but you will be absolutely fine just important take your medication and follow their good advice and go to rehab when you are invited usually after 6wks which is good I'm starting to go soon because it was close due to covid and the sent me a vidio not the same as meeting like minded people .... Sheila
It’s great to see all these responses and reminds me of the support it gave me when I was in your situation last November and posted a similar message. I was 52 and had one stent fitted. It takes time but if you follow the advice of the cardio rehab team should be able to return to a better normal. I would have described myself as very fit cycling 150 miles per week but still had a heart attack. My biggest fear was not being able to do the exercise I did before as cycling was my social life and not just for fitness. I’m pleased to say I’m now quicker than I was before thanks to primarily a healthier diet and some weight loss that I wouldn’t have thought was needed or possible before the heart attack. It will take time to come to terms with things and it’s normal to worry about everything at first, just take it one step at a time.
Thank you so much for your comment I’m in total shock as to what happened to me I feel so alone and can’t stop crying but all these positive comments have helped me
Hi, I’m not really sure about “mild heart attack”, I said this to my cardiologist after my HA last May. He wasn’t happy, he said there is no such thing as a mild heart attack!I had no warning when I had mine, had been for a 20 mile bike ride the day before, just had a bit of a tight chest that wouldn’t go away. Phoned 111, ambulance crew said I was having a HA while they had the ECG on me, two hours later I had 2 stents fitted.
Life will be different, you’ll have twinges, and think the worst, but Christ, it is a hell of a shock. I have had numerous tweaks to my meds, aspirin reacted with me, but obviously is necessary, this was causing gas(Gord), which manifested as a pressure across the chest. I’m have a tube down the throat next week, really looking forward to that!
In time you will come to terms with it, better than the alternative.I found the 10 week cardio nurse program very, very helpful. A year later, they’re still at the end of the phone to offer advice.
All the very best
Technically there is a difference between NSTEMI and STEMI heart attacks although both are heart attacks as troponin was raised. NSTEMI might be seen by non medics as mild but of course it depends where on the heart the damage occurs and the cardiologist is right. It was explained to me by someone in the heart team at hospital that NSTEMI was where some of the heart wall got damaged, STEMI was where the whole thickness of the heart wall was affected. But I suspect opinions vary on this.
Absolutely. My brother was exactly like you. Mild heart attack and a stent put in. That was 7 years ago and he hasn’t had any problems since!
Things will improve, just new normal. This website helps us learn to cope and not stress about the small stuff. I call it borrowing worry, usually what you worry about doesn't happen. If it does, you have already shown you have the strength to get through it. Your journey has just taken a detour, but you will get back on track. Don't forget to breathe. Enjoy the sunshine, birds, take your focus away from what you have been through. Take care!
MilkfairyHeart Star
Hello
About 6 % of heart attacks occur without permanent blockages to the coronary arteries.
Known as Myocardial infarction non obstructive coronary arteries
MINOCA.
The usual cause vasospastic angina or microvascular dysfunction which is the commonest cause of microvascular angina .
I suggest you ask your Cardiologist to consider these often overlooked and under recognised causes of heart attacks which tend to effect women more often.
The BHF has this information about Microvascular and vasospastic angina.
"Vasospastic angina - Causes, Symptoms & Treatments" bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
"What is microvascular angina? | BHF" bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
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