Second heart attack fear.

[Oaks6]

Hi , I had a heart attack a few weeks ago. The discharge notes say: Non-st elevation myocardial infarction ( NSTEMI ) apparently the problem was in my smaller arteries. I read that is likely that after one heart attack you’ll have another in 12 months.

As you can imagine this is worrying. I’ve spoken to the cardiac rehab nurses and one said that’s not helpful information. I’m not sure if they were saying the information was incorrect or just causing fear.

I’m now feeling very edgy and monitoring any possible heart related experiences.

You can imagine my stress levels. I’ve already had a major operation to remove my prostate because of cancer in April. Definitely not helping me recover by having these experiences ! Any thoughts ?!

Thanks.

[Oaks6]

Thanks so much that’s encouraging. I’m 66 BTW and had 3 stents fitted 5 years ago. I’ve got type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. My diabetes and blood pressure are under control. Thanks again for your positive feedback 😊

[MrsSuzuki]

Thank you for that positive post. You made it all very clear 👍.Lily

[Hidden]

I had an NSTEMI over four years ago, and am still here. 👍

My advice is take the medication as prescribed but monitor for any side effects which should then be discussed with your GP. And follow all the advice about diet and exercise, a lot of which is available on the BHF website. If you have not been invited to join a cardio rehab programme contact your hospital to find out if they have one, and if so where you are in the queue. The BHF run an online equivalent if you look for it.

But don' t worry about it, simply accept your situation as I have. As I have said before to others rejoice in the fact that you are still here, and make the best of every day.

[Oaks6 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, I’ve part of phase 4 keep fit since my stents 5 years ago so I’ll probably re start those after doing my hospital rehab.

[Harefieldfan]

Hi Oaks6. I haven’t had another one and I’m 15 months on from my first. Fingers crossed for you!

[Oaks6 in reply to Harefieldfan]

Thanks 😊 that’s encouraging.

[Qualipop]

Don't tell me you've been on DRGoogle? Stay away . It's absolutely full of false and misleading information. IT's 4 years now since my Heart attack and 2 stents and I'm still here. I suppose if you don't change anything about lifestyle and get no medication, yes you could have another but if you get appropriate medication, change your diet if necessary cutting out fried food, pies, chips cakes, biscuits etc, stop smoking and take gentle but consistent exercise you reduce the risk massively. Fear after a HA is normal but you will settle down and stop worrying and obsessing about it. You've been lucky. You got a mild warning to change things before they became more serious. You survived it . Now enjoy your new life. You've been given a second chance.

[Oaks6 in reply to Qualipop]

Thanks, I actually read the information on this forum !

[Qualipop in reply to Oaks6]

Crikey, glad I didn't see that and as it was completely out of context I would completely ignore it.

[Prada47]

Hello I am 39 years 48 weeks since having a Heart Attack and I am still waiting to see if I get another one !!

Look at it this way you are on the radar and the professionals will do their very best to prevent you having a second heart attack. OK I have had my ups and downs but never gave up even after bypass surgery and a further 3 stents oh and Heart Failure thrown in for good measure but I have never thought the end is near. My Heart Nurse told me there is every chance something else will get you rather than your Heart so live your life to the full after all it is the only one you will get.

ps I have never thought a second Heart attack would kill me, just they would cart me off to the Hospital do the business and I would go home to carry on as before .

Regards

[Oaks6 in reply to Prada47]

Thanks, you’ve got a very positive attitude in life 😊