After effects of Heart attack

[richard_jw]

I had a STEMI 15 months ago. The Right Coronary artery was blocked, and damage was done to part of the heart muscle (part of the left ventricle I believe).

Currently, I'm OK. I do have a specific issue and I would be grateful for other peoples' opinions about what to do.

I have irregular heart beats. If I don't do a lot, they don't cause me problems.

If I exercise, perhaps 2 miles brisk walk, some 1-2 hours after returning, I feel pretty poorly. Symptoms are nausea, unsteadiness, slight pain in centre of chest, some mental confusion. BP at rest normally is 110/70 and pulse is 70ish. This changes to 130/80 and pulse goes up to 90-95 when I am suffering after exercise.

Unfortunately pulse and BP remains high for hours and sometimes 1-2 days.

Then it slowly reverts to "normal" BP and pulse, although of late my pulse is very often irregular.

Cardiologists assure me that I am OK, but I'm concerned and would like to feel better. LVEF is said to be "normal" 55-61% depending on which test is done and how they calculate it.

I have had several tests done, including a recent angiogram which 2 cardiologists pronounced OK (i.e. no particular stenosis, or evidence of clotting.)

I read a lot about Heart failure here, but no doctor has even mentioned it. It is a concern, though.

I'm on Rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, and atorvastatin

Any ideas about how to get diagnosis/treatment gratefully received as cardiologists seem to have no interest.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Apologies if this is totally irrelevant to you. Two friends suffer from arrhythmias. Both have benefitted by excluding caffeine, chocolate, alcohol and spicy foods from their diet. One has done it totally and is now off any medication. He at just off 70 regularly swims 40 lengths and sails a one man dingy. The other remains on medication as he is too easily tempted particarly by coffee shops.

[MountainGoat52]

Just a thought reading your post.... I wonder whether your blood sugars are dipping after exercise. Might be worth looking into. My wife suffered from dips in blood sugar until she started carrying oat cakes around with her to nibble on if she starts to feel a bit off.

[lilymeg]

Hi Richard, hasten slowly. I cannot even have a shower without having the physical results to exercise that you experience. No one has been able to advise me of the cause or how to deal with it. May I suggest that when you go for a walk you start with a slower pace than you have used. Also let go wanting to do things the way you used to and begin again. I find that swimming is the most effective way to exercise, unfortunately Covid and my health have stopped me doing it this year. Good luck. Kind regards Carole