Recent heart attack.

[Jimbod]

Hi all I'm new to this group and need some help and guidance. On the 3rd of this month I had a mild heart attack a d was sent for an angiogram, they discovered I had blocked arteries and I had 3 stents fitted. I'm 62 years old and smoked for most of my adult life( i havnt had a cigarette since the day I had my heart attack and never intend to again) I drive hgv for a living and I am desperate to get back behind the wheel. I need help getting fit and would appreciate any help from you. Thanks in advance. Jimbod.

[Marcathon]

hi Jimbod and welcome to the community. We've all had different experiences and everyone's story getting here and recovering from here is different. In terms of getting healthy I would follow the advice you were presumably given on leaving hospital re cardiac rehab, some hospitals offer courses in the community and others not. I would say focus on making changes gradually, rather than crashing and burning! definitely reducing cholesterol / fatty foods - doesn't mean you can't have them at all but just keep to being disciplined most of the time with the occasional treat. Try to build up fitness by walking/cycling/swimming and subsequently running or weights when you feel you can. but above all I would say look out for your emotional and mental fitness. that's the bit that hit me hardest, about 6-8 weeks after the heart attack, it came out of nowhere and mugged me. Maybe because I'm fit and 45 so it was wholly unexpected, maybe because we were in lockdown, maybe because I had three teenagers at home during my convalescence, I don't know, but either way I felt so low because all the focus had been on getting myself back physically, that I neglected the emotional and mental side. So make sure you have a good team of friends and family around you, be grateful for the small things, practice gratitude, mindfulness, whatever helps you to relax, take it easy buddy - we are rooting for you in your recovery. take care Marc

[PeterpPiper]

Hi Jim… use this time to relax and smell the roses or diesel or whatever helps you relax.. then take things steady and build yourself up .. after a few months you should feel good. A nutritionist recommended a supplement called “Q10 coenzyme “ look it up if your interested but always mention any supplements to your cardio nurse before starting… enjoy the sunshine

[DCIHarry]

Hi,

As others have said

Take the necessary time to recover. This may take weeks (or as it did in my case, months), so don’t rush back to work until you are ready. Even then only do so on a phased return, “light duties’ basis. You never know when your recovery might take a dip (and it might), so you don’t want to be behind the wheel when it does.

Take your medication as prescribed

DON’T underestimate the emotional/ mental side to recover (it took me a few months but with help I’m sorted). 17 months after my HA, I still have the occasional “down day”, but bounce back.

Try to get sessions booked with your local cardiac rehab team (ideally in person, but if not then over the phone)

Build up your physical activity levels slowly.

Try following the BHF cardiac rehab videos online via YouTube, but only after an initial consultation

Talk to people - to experts and people on this forum if it helps. The only people who really understand what you have been through/are going through are people who have also had a HA. So this is a good place to ask for friendly advice and shared experiences, but not for medical advice.

Take control of your recovery. It’s your life, it’s your recovery.

Don’t be frightened to ask questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question, just ones you don’t have answers to.

Finally, if you feel unwell, seek help.