My experience of a heart attack

[Sea12]

I've just joined, i'm 46 and had a heart attack about 4 weeks ago, I've been taking things easy well trying to,I been out for a couple of pup lunches small walks, sometimes I worry about having another one etc. I don't smoke now I vape instead,does anyone else vape? Is It any better? haven't had a glass of wine,I'm making sure I get out to socialise or I'll go crazy. What are your experiences with heart disease and a heart attack

[Chappychap]

Vaping is okay as a temporary measure while quitting cigarettes, but nicotine is a heart disease risk factor, so you're far better off without vaping, nicotine patches, or secondary smoking.

[Nettekin in reply to Chappychap]

Hi cc. I agree entirely with your comments about vaping, but have never managed to give up after stopping smoking 4 years ago. However, I have weaned myself entirely off nicotine and just vape menthol flavour liquid. It may not be ideal, but means I won't go back to smoking at least. Now I am addicted to a habit rather than a substance! Best wishes x

[Chappychap in reply to Nettekin]

You make a good point, if you’ve removed all nicotine then the heart risks are much reduced.

I sympathise with the problem of quitting nicotine substitutes. I quit cigarettes fifteen or more years ago, it was hard but not too hard as I moved over to nicotine lozenges. But after a bypass operation my doctor said I really should also stop the lozenges…I did but found it much, much tougher than quitting cigarettes!

[Nettekin in reply to Chappychap]

It's mad really as the smell of someone else smoking now makes me feel physically sick, I'm sure I could never have another one. Yet.... I still crave that perceived feeling of a good old drag! So, I have my vape as a substitute, which works at least for me. X

[Hearty21]

I’m 40 and had HA in Feb 21. Since then 2 stents fitted and still have 2 narrowings in small arteries. It was due to my previous history of cholesterol. Not a smoker but everywhere I go, first question they ask is if I ever smoked. So smoking anything is a NO NO for us hearties

[Marcathon]

Hi there, had a HA last year aged 45, it came out of the blue as I was healthy and running marathons! Never smoked and only drink 2-3 pints of beer a week at the weekend. You’re not alone! I totally get the bit about socialising, my heart attack was at Christmas and then we had the big lockdown Jan/Feb which was a nightmare as I couldn’t see any one! Like you I worry about having another one but cardiologist tells me not to worry as all the tests show the heart is sound. That said I’ve been back in A&E a number of times with various chest pains and no one seems to be able to tell me what they are, except that they’re not cardiac related. Take care and enjoy the walks and pub lunches!

[RosieRob in reply to Marcathon]

This sounds very similar to my hubby 53 non smoker not a big drinker and working a very physical job so his HA in August was a shock. Hubby has been back to A&E with chest pains but assured not cardiac related just bruising to sack around heart while having 2 stents fitted into 1 very blocked valve. How are you feeling now and did you return to work? I'm more worried about him going back to work than he appears to be.

[Marcathon in reply to RosieRob]

Hi thanks, yes doing ok at the moment but it’s definitely cyclical and it’s not easy. I went back to work on phased return about 6 weeks after the HA and stents. Then full time after about 3 months. I’ve had periods of not being well since then, on and off, but working from home means no commute and less pressure. Take care both! Marc

[Palpman]

I am a veteran vaper since 2010 and still do so.

I don't use nicotine or flavoured e-juice. Plain 80% VG and 20%PG. One gets used to it and now I can't stand flavours.

I don't intend giving up as it is my only "vice" and need to simulate the act of smoking.