Heart attack at 33: Hi I’m 33 and just... - British Heart Fou...

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Heart attack at 33

Benbui profile image
62 Replies

Hi I’m 33 and just had a heart attack 3 weeks ago due to a blockage in my LAD artery where I had a stent fitted if anyone else has had a similar experience young please get in touch.

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62 Replies
didntexpectthat profile image
didntexpectthat

Hi, glad to hear youre on the mend..not as young as you im 47, but similar experience

Benbui profile image
Benbui in reply to didntexpectthat

Very scary I don’t know what to make of it all and still can’t get my head around what’s happened. I feel like I had a heart attack and was just pushed out the door 3 days later with no advice or anything which has caused me terrible anxiety but was only 3 weeks ago so I’m hoping I recover well. How you feeling?

didntexpectthat profile image
didntexpectthat in reply to Benbui

Im not bad thanks...heart wise anyway. I know what you mean, i was expecting more after i left hospital. Have you had any contact around your rehab yet?

Benbui profile image
Benbui in reply to didntexpectthat

Good I’m pleased you’re feeling ok.

I’ve contacted the rehab and seems to be nothing open until end of June with makes things really difficult.

My EF was 46% so I’m hoping to get fit to try and improve it .

didntexpectthat profile image
didntexpectthat in reply to Benbui

so my rehab was "go for a walk".. not far to start, just five minutes a day, then build up. Just had a follow up with the physio and my 6 month follow up with the cardiologist and all good. My EF was 35 at time of HA and last checked around 55, so back within normal range.....dont think ill be playing football or surfing any time soon though:(

Benbui profile image
Benbui in reply to didntexpectthat

Mate that’s great news and sounds like you have recovered very well I hope everything works for you and you have no more problems 👍

didntexpectthat profile image
didntexpectthat in reply to Benbui

thanks....hope your recovery goes well....take it easy, but moving in the right direction, try not to push yourself too much...careful with the diet... you still can eat! i did something similar, cutting out red meat and dairy...not sure it was the best thing as i lost a lot of weight.....and i want over weight to start... i now need to put some back on

Benbui profile image
Benbui in reply to didntexpectthat

I can’t push myself to much as I still feel very weak as it was only 3 weeks ago! I hope that’s normal? Yeah it’s very hard knowing what to do and what’s best. Thanks for your advice

didntexpectthat profile image
didntexpectthat in reply to Benbui

I think its different for each and every one of us. But feeling tired and weak after is "normal"...youve been through a lot. Again its different for everyone, it will take time but you will get there

Benbui profile image
Benbui in reply to didntexpectthat

Thanks for your support I wish you all the best

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply to Benbui

Side effects from your medication will also cause tiredness. They may need tweaking. Give them a few weeks to settle down then speak to your GP if you still feel washed out. Remember there's also the mental effect to consider. IT's a massive shock

MWIC profile image
MWIC in reply to Benbui

Take your time and focus on all the areas that put you at risk - blood sugars, blood pressure, cholesterol, exercise. Start the exercise slowly but get moving more and more as the days go by. Good luck!!

in reply to Benbui

You are indeed very young for a HA , but also fortunate that you are still with us.

But heart attack victims are usually offered cardio rehab which follows a few weeks on from discharge. Check your discharge paperwork to see if there is mention of that. If not speak to the cardio team at your hospital. There is also a virtual cardio rehab programme here.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

And you should also have been offered a follow up with a cardiologist . Again check your discharge notes, and ask if there is no mention.

Also in the meantime if you need professional support talk to the BHF Heart Helpline

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Finally you may now need to modify your diet to reduce your heart risk. Its a life time thing but certainly nothing to worry about. There's plenty of indicators on the BHF site if you look.

Benbui profile image
Benbui in reply to

Thanks for your reply and help I’m trying to get all them things in place just seems like a very long wait.

Also the only factor I had was smoking so I’ve stopped that and moved on to a vegan diet until I find out what’s actually caused this.

in reply to Benbui

Smoking stop will reduce your heart risk. Reducing saturated fat intake will also help. In my personal view a vegan diet will not offer any heart risk advantage over a diet containing meat provided the meat is consumed in moderate quantities and is lean. Oily fish is also good provided it is eaten in moderation. If you are consume alcohol (especially if in large quantities) cut down. Take up more exercise, but initially pace yourself. And finally your biggest risk is likely to be your cholesterol 'count' which you now need to manage, but I am sure you have been offered medication to help with that, such as a statin.

Benbui profile image
Benbui in reply to

To be honest I was very fit at the time of the heart attack so Never had no problems. Just waiting to see a cardiologist to see what are the best steps for me diet wise. As I can’t work out which diet when I don’t know what was the issue.

Jack2019 profile image
Jack2019 in reply to Benbui

Fitness is great for your heart muscle itself but doesn't prevent artery disease. Very fit and trim people can develop coronary artery disease; diet, smoking, high blood pressure and stress are correctable factors to look at seriously if you have artery disease. Don't rely solely on medications, examine your risk factors and make changes where you can. Artery disease can strike at any age and fitness level. Try not to worry you will very likely do very well, a bonus of being so young.

Benbui profile image
Benbui in reply to Jack2019

Thanks Jack that was positive and kind of what I needed to hear at the moment. I was smoking and that has stopped now hopefully I can get to the bottom of the rest and get it resolved and try to live a normal life

Heather1957 profile image
Heather1957 in reply to Benbui

I had been a smoker but stopped back in 2006 just after I finished working, I had moved and decided I didn't want to smoke in my house, and after standing outside in the cold with a cigarette in 1 hand and a glass of wine in the other I decided that it was madness.

When I first started having angina pain back in 2016/17, my GP told me that the damage had been done by smoking and could not be undone. I have no regrets about stopping and have no desire to ever have another smoke but it is a bit of a shock to think about the damage I had already done

😢

in reply to Benbui

Dear Benbui

First of all a warm welcome to you here on the forum, I hope you find it as helpful as many have.

What a terrible shock it must have been for you and at such an early age, I wish you and your loved ones well during this stressful time for you all.

Reading your above post I see that you have decided to move onto a vegan diet, can i ask you to reconsider that move for the moment?

I am Vegan and realise how important it is to get all the right supplements needed to help both your heart and you recover from this shock.

I personally would concentrate on getting fit and well first unless you have the time to learn just what you are moving into.

True vegetarian diet would be better to start with not unless you have access to someone that is a long term Vegan or are willing to study all about it yourself {easy}

Being Vegan has added a burden to my recovery something that you don’t need at this moment.

Take care my thoughts are with you, if I can help in anyway then please ask

Benbui profile image
Benbui in reply to

Thanks for the response I’ve been vegan from the day it happened as I don’t know what else I could do to help I’ve always been fairly fit and active the only thing I did was smoke which I’ve obviously packed up. I’m just waiting to see a cardiologist to see what was the problem so I can see what diet would help me or what I can do to help myself

in reply to Benbui

The main diet that is favoured is the so called Mediterranean one that is well balanced with all the bodies needs.

Benbui profile image
Benbui in reply to

Yeah that’s most probably the route I will take if it works well but there is a lot to learn first to see what’s right and wrong

in reply to Benbui

Well you seem to have the right mind-set to explore all your options, but don’t let it take over your life, enjoy every moment you can of it.

Heather1957 profile image
Heather1957 in reply to Benbui

Hopefully your GP will have access to a nutritionist who can advise you, that said I can't say I learned a great deal from her as I actually knew all she was telling me even if I wasn't following it.

KBJoel profile image
KBJoel in reply to Benbui

Dear Benbui,

I am sorry to know about you… am going through the same phase. Being Dr ( NHS) I am also struggling to get all info / support and advice. I had 100-%LAD blocked and stented.

Whatever you say we all need to know everything by professional. I am gym fit and had heart attack in gym. I don’t smoke/ fat or Diabetic etc. so there was no factor which contributed to this.

Anyways after all my contacts is walk and gradually increase it. Don’t over do it. Am doing like 20 min 2 times a day. In between I do all at home and walk in my garden just to keep blood flowing .

I feel good and get nibbles in chest on and off. This is more important r less expected.

Yes am having nightmare to get official cardiologist appointment.

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply to Benbui

I'm afraid that's what they do- just fix your plumbing and kick you out. I'm a lot older but I felt the same. NO advice, no explanation. You are expected to now see your GP with all your questions. I was way older than you when I had my heart attack so I completely understand your worry. If the hospital has started normal working now, you should soon be invited to go to cardiac rehab. Do take up the offer. The supervision there will do wonders for your confidence. Meantime write a list of questions and go and talk to your G P. It's not the end. Lifestyle changes and medication can get you back on track for a normal life.

Heather1957 profile image
Heather1957

I had a by pass in 2017 and 2 stents fitted last October and none of the cardiologists have suggested I become a vegan????

Benbui profile image
Benbui in reply to Heather1957

No but it’s proven that a plant based diet is healthier for your heart so I’m sticking to that until I know what’s gone wrong and where I can fix it. What was wrong with you do you mind me asking and what actions have you taken to correct it?

in reply to Benbui

Don't be shocked that your Cardiologist may disagree with you there. Plant based diet is not Vegan its just plant based, most Quran products have milk in them { which there is nothing wrong with}

Heather1957 profile image
Heather1957 in reply to Benbui

I had blockages in different arteries, exercise and diet control are the changes I have made. Sadly my father's family have a history of coronary problems, my dad passing at 52 yrs old. Luckily we live in a World that can get ahead of the game now.

Diet is a personal choice, most of us know what we should eat and what is good/bad for us. However I am someone who believes in moderation and while the GP did say a Mediterranean diet is recommended at no time have I EVER been told even by the nutritionist, that a Vegetarian or Vegan diet would be better for me.

Cat551 profile image
Cat551 in reply to Heather1957

From what I’ve read heart attacks at an early age, it can be due to an additional risk factor of high LPa (lipoprotein a). My father had his first heart attack at 29. We don’t know if he had high LPa, because this was in 1966. He passed at 46, since heart health wasn’t very advanced in those days. But I suspect he did, since my daughter and I both have very high LPa. Diet doesn’t help with this risk factor, so lowering the risk factors you can control will help. I was tested for LPa after I had a calcium scoring test. My LAD was mildly blocked then, which was about 6 years ago. I’m on 2 cholesterol meds., and seem to be doing ok. I also follow a Mediterranean diet. I don’t eat any added sugars and never any fried foods. I walk or exercise most days. I’m 67 and holding my own for now.

I wish you the best on your recovery. For me, if I can lower my risk to the best of my ability, I feel like I have some control over my situation.

Heather1957 profile image
Heather1957 in reply to Cat551

Long may this continue!

in reply to Heather1957

To true most would {like me} put you off doing so

Hi, I know exactly how you feel if it helps at all. Similar happened to me end of February this year. I was ok one day, a week later it dawned on me I had had a heart attack and LAD stent fitted and here I am at home wondering what an earth has happened ! I am 55 by the way. I remember sitting in Emergency Cardiac Unit ( A & E for hearts) on my own because of Covid, been told I had had a HA and was been transferred immediately to another hospital, Castle Hill, which specialises heart surgery. I rang my husband and my daughter who couldn’t believe what was happening. My husband thought I maybe had a chest infection after the ambulance took me away. I was very calm when told and almost laughed. This was obviously shock. The next day I had an angiogram and a stent fitted 99% diseased ! They showed me the before and after video ! It was like a piece of cotton. It took a week or so after getting home before it hit me like a ton of bricks ! I left the day after my stent on a Saturday with little information of what to do so I rang a local support group and a lovely volunteer came to see me. (Certified by NHS etc). I have had ups and downs but this forum has really helped as you realise you are not alone. I am awaiting my physio to call for cardio rehab as there is a wait list but I am walking 2 plus miles a day and feel very well now and so grateful to the wonderful care I received. Take care x

10gingercats profile image
10gingercats

Being vegan and getting all your minerals and vitamins can be tricky. My husband became strictly vegetarian at 25 and is now 84.His heart is in excellent shape apparently.I eat very little meat and a little fish but have congenital heart problems that have only manifested themselves in recent years. In your position I would want to know,if possible, why I had a heart attack at such a young age. You are then in a better position to try and avoid such a thing happening again.

Heather1957 profile image
Heather1957 in reply to 10gingercats

Totally agree, my mother is 90 and eats meat, fish, is a chocoholic, butter, butter and more butter and cream cakes the only physical thing wrong with her is arthritis,!! Her and my father ate the same things until he died, the differences were he was a smoker and his family had a history of heart trouble.

The problem comes when the medical profession can't give a reason why an artery becomes blocked.

Yes, we do what we can with regard lifestyle but it becomes a little trickier when you are flighting genetics!!

Benbui profile image
Benbui in reply to 10gingercats

Yeah I understand and need to know what you’re doing also which will take a lot of learning. Thank you that is what I plan on doing.

Jules2021 profile image
Jules2021

Hi BenbuiOne year to the day when i had the same at the age of 43. Such a big shock! Definitely takes a while to get ur head round it all never mind the physical healing. I had some counselling afterwards which was brilliant and helped me come to terms with it all.

I wish u well with ur recovery. Slow and steady,and listen to ur body.

Julie x

Benbui profile image
Benbui in reply to Jules2021

Thanks Jules2021 yeah I’ve found it very hard to cope with to be honest as it come as a major shock I find it hard to get out of bed everyday and not sure where I should be 3 weeks after?

Jules2021 profile image
Jules2021 in reply to Benbui

3 weeks is still early days. I was weak as water for a good while after. If u feel tired then rest. Its the best thing to help ur body heal. The shock takes a long time to get over definitely. It hit me in waves for months after but it will get easier x

ClaydonAR profile image
ClaydonAR

Hello Benbui,

I am sorry to hear about your Heart Attack but I am glad that you are recovering. I also had my Heart Attack at the age of 33 but I ended up needing Quintuple Bypass surgery. This was almost 2.5 years ago. Apparently, I wasn’t a candidate for Angioplasty (have stents). I just blacked out and was in Hospital for 17 day. I gained consciousness 13 days later and have absolutely no memory for the first 13 days.

I know how scary and uncertain everything feels right now, however, things will improve. I am not going to lie but some people never feel “normal” again and unfortunately, sometimes you got to live with it. It’s quite a massive physical and mental trauma and I won’t expect anybody to feel “normal” again. However, things will also improve. Getting involved in a Cardiac Rehabilitation helped me a lot and fortunately for me, this happened just before COVID hit us and therefore, I was able to have the rehab face-to-face. But I can see that people have shared links for virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation exercises. Get involved with that. Monitor what you eat. Give up smoking if you do. Work towards achieving healthier weight. And all these things will make a massive difference.

Also, look into finding any genetic cause for your Heart Attack. In my case, I was prone because both my parents had it before the age of 50.

All I would say is that don’t rush into your recovery, listen to your body, take your medications regularly, have a blood test every 6 months to monitor blood sugar and cholesterol levels, “keep breathing and take one day at a time”

pjw17 profile image
pjw17

Hello BenbuI also had HA in same artery and one stent,but at 58 I've a few more miles on clock than you!

Please do your local cardio rehab course mine was 2 years ago but done on phone because of covid.

I don't particularly follow a certain diet but have cut down on red meat ,I think it's single figures the amount of times I've had it this year! All the rubbish has gone from diet and alcohol greatly reduced to NHS limits.

I was used to be a racing cyclist was extremely fit , although I had stopped racing was still still in good shape so the HA was a massive shock to me mentally and physically.

Take notice of health care professionals and you'll get great support on here and other forums.

You can improve your EF ,last Jan mine was 44% ,it's now low end of normal around 53%.

Good luck.

Ewloe profile image
Ewloe

I’m not that young but had my unexpected heart attack 9 months ago at 59yrs. ( blood clot blocking the LAD not cholesterol). No generalised heart disease but one massive blockage which nearly killed me about. Now have 1 stent. Prior to this I’d describe myself as fit with a healthy diet. Had a personal trainer twice a week not overweight exercised at least 5 times a week. Yes my diet was good for exercise BUT looking back I wouldn’t call it heart healthy. I didn’t really eat oats that much at all because of the carbs in them and I was very careful about eating nuts as I saw them as fat. So it’s always worth another look at diet from a heart healthy point of view.

I lost weight immediately after my heart attack as I lost muscle tone not being able to exercise like I did. My EF was 40%. It’s now 46%. I’ve got permanent muscle damage and heart arrhythmia’s.

I’ve gradually built up my different type of exercise and taking the medication my EF has improved. The medications are a big factor to improving your EF. be patient with yourself as it’ll take time building your exercise back up. Acceptance is another word you need to get friendly with. Here’s a good site for support.

MrCABG profile image
MrCABG

Hello,

Wow, that is young. I thought I was young when I had mine at 42 (with a triple heart bypass thrown in too!).

I'm a very slim person so it was a complete surprise. It came to light I had 3 99% blockages one of which was on the widow maker artery (the LAD!).

Since this episode last year, I have:

- stopped smoking

- eat fruit and vegetables religiously (previously all I ate was decadent Indian food all the time)

- eat a handful of almonds / walnuts every day alternating between the two

- eat vegetarian 3x a week which is very hard to believe for a once hardcore carnivore

- eat more oily fish (salmon / mackerel / sardines) than chicken / cod / haddock / seabass (completely cut back on red meat)

- allow myself one cheat meal per month

- the key is to keep saturated fat intake below 15g per day (I aim for less than 10g)

- and walk at a brisk pace for 30-45 minutes every day (if not outside then at the gym)...best way to keep arteries healthy is to use them!!

As a result of the above:

- my cholesterol has dropped from 9 to 2.4

- my LDL is at 0.9

- I look absolutely stunning...my grey complexion has gone and I feel superb

This has been a radical lifestyle change for me but one which I am embracing because the results are incredible.

A major heart attack was the best thing to happen to me!!

Hi, m sorry to hear your going throguh this at such a young age, im glad you are recovering well. I'm 38 and just found out my LAD is over 50% blocked. Did you have the stent fitted before you had your heart attack or after ?

Hearty77 profile image
Hearty77

Hi

It looks like you’ve had loads of great advice already from other forum members. I was 44 when I had my heart attack, blockage in same artery as you which was fixed with a stent. I didn’t have any high risk signs prior to the heart attack and so like you questioned why and how?

I’m now a year on and thanks to the BHF (who are an amazing wealth of knowledge and support), my GP, support from other heart patients and a cardiologist who was willing to investigate the why I managed to get answers.

I have found my recovery has run in a few different stages and I’m still not fully recovered mentally - this has been the hardest part for me. I’m informed that it can typically takes years to mentally process it all but I have found it improves day by day. In terms of recovery my first few weeks were focussed on gentle exercise. The BHF have some online rehab programmes if you’re struggling to get on to a NHS programme. They’re very good and easy videos to follow. I personally did those and also built up my walking daily before moving to running (as I’ve been a runner for a few years). Whilst I was focussing on getting my strength back and fitness I also read lots of books on healthy eating. From a fitness perspective I found it useful to set myself some fitness goals - ie walk an extra minute per day if I felt ok, when I was able to walk 6 miles, a few days later I then tried a shorter walk with a jog, and so on. From a diet perspective, I’ve read loads of books and I have personally turned to a vegetarian / vegan diet but most of the research indicates that you don’t need to become fully vegan and this is a personal choice of mine. It does come with lots of difficulties - sourcing food, balanced diet and also if you have a family it’s tough cooking 2 different family meals all of the time.

I was then left with the why and how questions? My cardiologist was fab at fitting the stent but then I never saw them again, despite ringing and writing to them. This is where my GP and the BHF really helped. I got a list of cardiologists (it’s available on line) in my area and did some research on what they specialised in as I wanted one that I thought could help me and my specific needs. I wanted to get back to running and so wanted someone who had specialised in safe exercise after a heart attack. My GP then helped me get an appointment. I had to push but I got the help. My GP also organised for me to meet with a nutritionalist to discuss diet and has checked my cholesterol levels , liver function etc to make sure all is ok. Whenever I have any concerns I contact my GP as they’ve been really responsive. My new cardiologist is great and he ran lots of checks and investigations to help answer my questions. It materialises that I’m susceptible to artery blockages even at low levels of cholesterol. So managing my diet and taking statins is a must for me. With help I also got back to running and set some goals that my cardiologist thought were safe for me. A year on I have run a few marathons and ran an ultra marathon two weeks ago - something I’d always wanted to do but never plucked up the courage to do. I actually think it was my heart attack experience that helped me to think - go and do it if you want to.

So there is definitely life after a heart attack but you may need to push to help you get all of the answers you need and deserve. Don’t settle for a ‘generally it this’ or ‘typically it’s that’ answer if you need a specific answer.

It sounds like you’re doing all of the right things. Focus on one thing at a time - building up your walking and getting plenty of rest in the early days. Contact your GP and tell them about your challenges and mental anxieties. I found them to be hugely important in my recovery. And also ask the BHF for help - they’ve been fab.

Take care, good luck with your recovery, each and every persons recovery is different. It’s certainly a journey. Best wishes.

Hi benbui, I had a silent heart attack at 47. I had a 90% blockage in my LAD and had one stent put in. I was in total shock and initially didn't believe what had happened to me. We have a family history of heart disease I thought I was ok as I exercised and ate a low fat diet. The one thing I recommend you do is get on a cardia rehab course. Not only did it help me to put things in perspective but I met some fab people who supported each other thru the good days and bad days. I had some dark days I couldn't help thinking about the what ifs. But three years on I'm still here, had no further problems, I completed C25K a few months back and continue to do 5K a few times a week and love it. You will get there just be kind to yourself,take it one day at a time, learn to take time out for you to relax and heal. It will get easier x

JennyRx profile image
JennyRx

I’m really sorry to hear of this and hope you recover to full health. Please ask your consultant to do a test for elevated lipoprotein (a). This is an independent risk factor for heart attacks but rarely tested for but affects about 20% of the population and can affect younger people as your level is set from birth.

pasigal profile image
pasigal in reply to JennyRx

Yes, Lipoprotein A is my Achilles heel. Also my brother's...please do ask for a test.

JennyRx profile image
JennyRx in reply to pasigal

Just about to have my Repatha which is to lower cholesterol ostensibly but can also lower lp(a) by 20%. Which in my case takes it out of the very high risk to marginally less risk….

The_Voice profile image
The_Voice

Hi, and welcome to our unique little club! I was 38 when I had my MIs. The benefit of having them when we’re “young” (I was in cardiac rehab with a 21-year old) is that our hearts are still very strong, so damage is usually minimal and our recovery is reasonably quick. Of course, mileage may vary.

kyoom profile image
kyoom

Hi Benbui,Sorry to read about your heart issues.

I also had a HA at a fairly young age (42) due to a blocked LAD and RCA.

I went on to have a Triple Bypass graft .

That was 32 years ago and I doing fine for my age.I am going to be 74 soon.

My advice to you is take it slowly,exercise as best as you can.Walking is a great way to start.

I am still walking my 20,000 steps a day and still doing all my gardening,home maintenance etc.You are young and healthy and will recover well.You are your own rehab!

Let me know how you are progressing,I would like to help you along your recovery journey.

Take care and God Bless.

pasigal profile image
pasigal

I too had my HA very unexpectedly, not particularly young (52) but was very fit, non smoker etc. You should really try to find out why. In my case it was genetic -- we just don't make enough "good" cholesterol, basically, with elevated levels of Lipoprotein A.

I'm of the opinion that a "good" diet combined with heavy doses of statins and exercise, as well as regular checkups, are probably the best protection. Statins will knock down your cholesterol levels much easier, much faster than diet.

Unless you are starting from a high-saturated fat diet, you're unlikely to improve your cholesterol levels in a meaningful way with diet alone. But there are plenty of other benefits to a vegetarian/pescaterian/vegan diet.

Regarding recovery, give it a year, slowly build up your endurance, watch for any side effects. And good luck!

RailRover profile image
RailRover

I'm twice your age, but it comes as a shock at any age. It certainly shook me despite the fact that my father was dead at 47 with the same thing, and I always had an inkling that it would one day come and bite me.

Try to look at the positives. Being ALIVE 3 weeks after a HA is a tremendous result, so give yourself credit for that and work on from there. I had HA and was stented end of '19, had recurrent symptoms in April '21 and had a triple bypass in May, just under a year ago. On both occasions, for a while, it felt as though I'd been hit by a bus, but slowly you start to improve. It's human nature to be impatient, but one of the consultants laughed at my moaning a few days after the surgery, and told me it can be up to 18 months to 2 years before you know what you are going to finish up with.

Similar to you, prior to the HA I was already fit, ate a good diet, never smoked, slim, healthy weight. My only risk factor was the family history. I don't think you mentioned whether this is a factor in your own case. Some people are simply predisposed to build up blockages in their arteries with the smallest intakes of cholesterol.

Good luck, and as others have said, definitely do the rehab. Mine was offered as a twice a week, six week course. Couple of hours each session. 1 hour in the hospital gym (treadmills, rowing machines, etc.), and 1 hour afterwards in relaxation and talks by dietitians, cardiologists, pharmacists, fitness coach etc. All well worthwhile, but they told me the take up isn't great which is odd when you consider that it's aimed at patients who should have had a massive wake up call. When the course started there were 12 of us, but by the end of the 6 weeks we had dwindled to 6. We were then offered 2 months free at the government run public gym, but I was the only one to take it up, and I've just extended for a further 6 months at half price. If you take only one thing from this, I would say it's to do the rehab.

nilmonisikdar40 profile image
nilmonisikdar40

So young to have a HA. How are you now?

Heartinthehills profile image
Heartinthehills

Hi Benbui. You already have a big following on here and lots of relevant comments already. A few have mentioned family history which is worth looking at. Most on here were a lot older when we had an incident so you may be lucky having an event at an age when you can recover more quickly and have been alerted to something you need to be aware of. My father had 3 incidents from age 47 to dying on the third at 61 in 1969. We all thought it was lifestyle that contributed to his demise but I later discovered that his father and all his brothers had similar experiences. Mine was at age 64 then my younger sister had one six months after mine. Worth checking on your own family history and mentioning anything relevant to your GP and any cardiac specialists you are in contact with to help hone in the main cause of yours and start any relevant treatment.

Stacey40 profile image
Stacey40

Hi I was 39 when I had a similar experience. I hope your recovery is a speedy one. 😊

Mandamoo1973 profile image
Mandamoo1973

Hi there I had my first stent in 2009 aged 35, I then had a heart attack 3 years later in 2012 but have been fine since then, I'm now 48, I've not needed to have any further stents fitted but do worry sometimes as was told the stent lasts 10 years !

Raylpa profile image
Raylpa

Hi BenbuiThat’s so young I was 55 and it was still a big shock. I had never smoked I was fit and had a good diet. I subsequently found out that I had high lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a) it’s a significant risk factor for HA and my GP had never heard of lipoprotein (a) as most haven’t. It’s not routinely tested for even after a HA I had to insist on referral to a specialist lipids clinic we arranged the blood test. Look up the condition on the cholesterol IK site then Speak to your GP and insist on getting tested. Good luck follow all the other good advice your will get from this site.

harpsicord86 profile image
harpsicord86

Hi, hope that your recovery is going well. I'm 36 and I suffered a very similar experience to you nearly 2 years ago. Unfortunately, my CAD was caused by type 2 diabetes which I'd unknowingly developed over time. I had 3 stents fitted all the way down by left artery and luckily that did the job. Since then, I try to exercise more and try to eat better foods.

I'm happy to say that I managed to lose a stone and keep it off so I know I'm heading in the right direction. It may seem scary at first but you are not alone.

Miocardial_1 profile image
Miocardial_1

hi,

I had a heart attack and stents fitted 3 months ago. I was discharged at 3 days and advised not to drive for a week and no work for a month. I’m 43yrs old.

I had 8 weeks of rehab and was discharged from that with tips of exercises at home etc. I have made many changes to life and do sometimes feel sorry for myself, but we have to stay positive and keep going 💪🏽

Give it time and you will start to feel better. Take on the advice of the medics. I was discharged from the hospital care a few weeks ago. I found quite a lot of stuff hard at first but once you grasp it, you’ll be ok 🤞🏽

Please message if you want to share any ideas/tips/advice.

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