2 heart attacks

[Columbo70]

Have had a second heart attack 10 days ago. First one was two years prior. Second one was a MINOCA. First one was NSTEMI with severe blockages in two major arteries and stents implanted. I am now 52. Anyone been through similar?

[pasigal]

I'm really sorry to hear that. I had 2 HAs due to CAD and know how frustrating the second one can be after having stents etc. But the good news: You (like me) survived!

Did you ever get a diagnosis for the MINOCA attack? I know this sounds odd but it's possible that they were unrelated. (not likely, I agree). Was the heart muscle weakened significantly by your first HA?

[Columbo70 in reply to pasigal]

Have a second HA has really knocked me back. I am concerned about not surviving if I have a 3rd. I am worried about life expectancy consequences of the two HAs. No causitive diagnosis yet re the MINOCA. I have read that follow up cardiac MRI can identify the underlying cause in as many as 87% of MINOCAs. So that’s probably next step. However I have very bad claustrophobia and it’s unlikely (based on previous experience) that I will be able to complete that process.

[pasigal in reply to Columbo70]

Columbo70 Oh yeah, me too. My second HA was likely due to a piece of plaque breaking off in a non-stented artery, but it was actually serious cardiac arrest that I barely survived, and the hospital that initially treated me was not diligent in following up before I was transferred to my "home" hospital. It's not clear whether the the second HA was related to my CAD or just horrible bad luck -- so I suppose it could have actually been a MINOCA event.

No one has ever been able to clear that up for me, and I've had ongoing anxiety, just as you have. But I've been able to manage it somewhat, with therapy and coping mechanisms. Just know that you are very much not alone.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

It’s an incredibly stressful time having a heart attack, and going through all the immediate responses and then interventions, and reflections . People are usually very helpful here, if you can give a bit more detail about your concerns, and what you think might help you.

[Columbo70 in reply to Kristin1812]

Am really worried about having a 3rd heart attack, given MINOCA is still unknown territory clinically. I am concerned about my future quality of life and my life expectancy. Will i be able to travel again, whether I will continue to experience current levels of fear if I travel more than 20 klms from a hospital…..the list goes on and on…..

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello

I am sorry to hear you have had a Myocardial Infarction non obstructive coronary arteries MINOCA.

The possible causes of a MINOCA are microvascular dysfunction, vasospastic angina, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, or a blood clot or a piece of plaque breaking off and blocking an artery.

A cardiac MRI can help to look at the heart muscle itself however it cannot not assess how the blood vessels function.

This requires functional testing of the blood vessels during an angiogram to diagnose microvascular dysfunction or vasospastic angina.

Have your Cardiology team said what they think caused your MINOCA and what investigations have they offered you?

I was admitted to hospital 10 years ago with a suspected heart attack. However I was told incorrectly that it wasn't possible to have a heart attack or angina because my coronary arteries are clear.

Knowledge about non obstructive coronary artery disease NOCAD has moved on.

I was later diagnosed with vasospastic angina. I have unobstructed coronary arteries. My coronary arteries go into transient contrictions causing a lack of blood supply to my heart. A prolonged coronary vasospasm can cause a MINOCA.

I am treated with medication to help prevent my coronary vasospasms and to prevent a heart attack.

I acknowledge how challenging it is living with the uncertainty of living with not knowing why you had a MINOCA and what the future may hold for you.

I am still here after 10 years 😊

I have been away on holiday, though my Cardiologist advises I only fly short haul.

Admittedly it does feel like walking a tight rope, living with an unpredictable type of angina that is resistant to treatment. I had support from a Clinical Psychologist provided by the hospital's cardiac rehab department.

Have you been offered any cardiac rehab?

Have you seen this information about MINOCAs?

internationalheartspasmsall...

internationalheartspasmsall...

There are few other forum members who have experienced a MINOCA and hopefully they will be along to share their experiences with you too.