hi I had a heart attack Christmas Eve it was the most terrifying experience I have ever had, they fitted a stent and I am at home now feeling pretty good. I used to smoke but have not had one since. My question is I wake up feeling quite rough now achy in the chest and back once I get up take my meds and get dressed I feel ok.
I wondered if it’s the withdrawal of the cigarettes?
What a horrible shock for that to happen on Christmas Eve! I am sure you will get answers from people who have been through the same thing. I had a catheter ablation a couple of weeks ago - and also felt that bit rougher in the mornings.
I seemed to be retaining quite a bit of fluid for the first week or so, and tried propping myself up a bit more while sleeping.
Wondering if it could just be that it’s worse after lying down all night, for similar reasons?
Hi. Good to hear how really well you are doing, after your HA. Such a scary experience.
I know very little about nicotine withdrawal (but great that you decided to give up immediately), but I have been told the heart doesnt like ‘being messed about with’, like with an angiogram. It can take a while to settle down. But do seek help if the aching gets worse, changes, doesn't settle, or you become more concerned.
Hello 
I think it would be a only a few that have a heart attack and not feel worried after for most of us we felt just the same and it can take a while to feel confident again
Having some stents on can make you feel sore etc and it is early days needs time to settle down but if you have any concerns then I am not sure if you have the Rehab Nurses number but give 111 or your Doctor or Nurses a ring
Well done stopping smoking I am not sure it will give you any pains by stopping when I stopped it didn't even though I got some withdrawal symptoms but if you get them stick with it they will pass
Take it easy and things will slowly start to improve and you will soon be feeling more confident x
Having a heart attack and then having a stent are not trivial issues and your body will take some time to recover, its only been a few days. I'm assuming that your heart attack was not too bad since you are writing about it less than a week after. Some of the drugs will make you feel a bit tired, and giving up smoking will no doubt affect you too. I'm sure in a few weeks you will feel a lot better and once you get into cardiac rehab you will have exercise and other advice on going forward.
Congratulations on giving up smoking - that's a great first start to a healthier life going forward.
Well done on packing in the cigarettes....as an ex smoker of 20/30 a day I know how hard that can be.Apart from a craving for a fag I can't remember any side effects other than a chesty cough when I packed in.....it was 20+ years ago though.
I had a couple of stents fitted 18 months ago following a heart attack, it does take a few months to get over the attack and the angiogram and then for your body to get used to the effects of the cocktail of medication you are now on.
Relax, take it easy and listen to your body.
If you get offered a rehabilitation course jump at it, it really gives you the confidence in your heart to do all those things you want to do.
I see my HA as a positive thing.
At 70 years old I'm lighter in weight and far more active than I've been in years and I'm pleased to say enjoying life to the full.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2023.
Congratulations on stopping smoking. I know how tough it is to break such a serious addiction, so your achievement is really, really impressive. I hope your friends and family are rallying around to shake your hand, because you sir are a bit of a hero!
There was a very large health study conducted across Britain, where well over 7,000 British men were monitored over many years. Their experience illustrates what a massive stride you've just taken towards a healthy future.
Let's take a group of fifty year old men, They all smoke, they're all overweight or obese, and none of them does any exercise.
Now let's take a second group of fifty year old men. They're non smokers, they maintain a healthy weight, and they exercise regularly.
The difference in outlook for these two groups is startling.
The unhealthy, smoking first group has only a 42% chance of making it through the next 15 years to the age of 65 without a heart attack, stroke, or being diagnosed as a Type 2 Diabetic.
The second group, with the healthier life style, has a 90% chance of making it problem free to 65.
There are no guarantees in this life, but I know which odds I prefer.
We all have a choice to make. Which group will we choose to join? Congratulations on choosing life!
Worried 
Worried 
Worried
worried
Worried 
