Heart trouble, 32 years old.

[Pjh1002]

Hi Folks,

I'm 32 years old and have been going through an incredibly difficult time the last few months.

It all started in September, wakening panicked, heart racing and feeling like I was going to pass out. This kick started months of torment, which with the help of therapy, I now believe was a panic attack and subsequent disorder.

In Sept, my blood pressure was high, and the GP started me on meds. A little upsetting at first, but I know it's probably for the best. The thought of taking meds long term and my prognosis upsets me.

I was referred to a cardiologist too. My echo scan showed good systolic function, good valves, but some mild left atrium and ventricle dilation. Both my GP and cardiologist say it's no great issue, and was likely caused by the high blood pressure and hopefully it'll reduce now my pressure is under control.

My 24hr ECG has shown normal sinus rhythm throughout, but there were some episodes of nocturnal Wenckebach during sleep, but no prolonged arrhythmias - I'm yet to have an actual update from the cardiologist about this, this was just said in a letter to my GP. So I'm learning what I can about it from Google - not ideal!

I've also had a sleep study, which showed very mild apnoea. I've been on CPAP for 2 nights so far, so I'm hoping this may go some way to resolve my issues and take strain off my heart.

I guess I'm just reaching out to people for advice and reassure.

I almost feel hopeless and destined for a life of misery and heart trouble.

Is there any body who is/has been in a similar position, and gone on to lead a normal life?

Thanks all.

[Prada47]

Hello

Just to say I had a HA over 40 years ago and I am still enjoying life to the full so don't despair. Did no one ever say you may of been having a bad dream when this started ? Sounds like you have had the relevant tests to rule out heart issues except for the High Blood pressure, which is relatively easy to control with medication !! So my advice for what it's worth is to live life to the full because the alternative can be pretty depressing.

Wishing you Well

[Rosie1066 in reply to Prada47]

I was born with congenital heart disease so have lived with heart problems all my life. I have had a heart valve replacement some years ago and now suffer with AF. Having lived with it all my life I just take it all in my stride and try not to worry about it. Long term meds are no problem to me.

[Pjh1002]

Thank you all to have replied, it's appreciated. This forum has some great advice and wisdow, it's so reassuring to see people's stories and how they've overcome and led a normal life. Wish I'd found it months ago.

[Miocardial_1]

Hi Pjh1002, I completely understand how you feel and want to reassure you that you’re in good hands and the medics will look after you! I had a sudden heart attack just before Christmas aged 43. I had to have 2 stents fitted. The first few days I felt sorry for myself and wondered why me…I’m not over weight, I’m generally healthy….but 11 weeks on, I know that I am getting back into my routines and able to do most things I always did. You’ll take the medication as routine and forget about it. Check your blood pressure now and again and keep a general eye on things. But on the whole, once you’re through all the tests and the cardiac team speak to you, you’ll be ok. The initial stuff takes time and you might even need a medication review. Give it time and you’ll be back to normal. If I can do it, you can do it! 👍🏻

[JeremiahObadiah]

Good Morning Pjh

Sorry to hear of the issues you’ve had. It sounds as if you have had some very good medical attention and support.

You haven’t mentioned but the following might be things to think about:-Are you physically fit and not too thin or too overweight ? Do you eat a healthy diet, do you add salt to foods? Do you smoke? Do you drink alcohol and if so how much? If there are any improvements you could make in any areas to give you control of your health then that might be a good thing to try.

I hope that you begin to feel more confident in your own body/health. Best wishes

[HHH2017]

WOW! Good luck at the Masters athletics 🙌🏽 Let us know how you get on. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[HHH2017]

hi, when you are experiencing symptoms and waiting for a diagnosis its a very difficult & anxious time so I really feel for you. All I can say is YES it does get better. Treatments & medications are excellent and you can read lots of fabulous positive stories on here. Anxiety is totally understandable but is bad for your heart and bad for you so get help with your feelings too as this will help you and your heart to live a healthier happier life. You can & will get through this difficult diagnosis stage Im sure. Then it will be onwards & upwards 👌🏼

[Digger0]

The heart is an amazing structure. I'm 72 next month and have just had a hole closed in my heart. The echo scan at 8 weeks showed that it had remodelled it's self from the dilation that was there. If you are a panicky type of person, try not to dwell on the problems you "might have". The CPAP will help. Are you slightly overweight? My neighbour who has a CPAP was told that by loosing weight (he's a bit tubby!) he may not need the machine. Good luck and enjoy life!

[Hidden]

Yes i am in a similar boat. I was 35 when i rushed to hospital with serious heart failure. I was in ICU for 10 days watching older folk in their 70s-80-90s coming in with heart problems and leaving the next day fit and well.There was me a fit healthy 35 year old, (ex military, security manager, boxer, 3 children etc) sat in ICU with unknown cause of heart failure wondering what just happened. NHS staff had used up all options and warned off my family. Said my goodbyes. Luckily after a night of praying and asking for my time from God or the universe or whoever was listening , i started to pick up.

Cut long story short, its been 3 years since that god awful time. Things are drastically different. Life has slowed right down, but not to a stop! Can no longer gym it.

By the sounds of things, you seem to have caught things nice and early. I also had panic disorder in my 20s but now they think it may have been signs of heart trouble as its down i was born with a heart murmur. I also ignored small signs leading up to the episode. A cough that i couldn't shake off for about a month. Tingling in my left fingers and also in toes. Freezing cold hands. Erectile problems at young age. These for me were all signs of possible circulation/heart trouble.

If i could turn the clock back, i would definitely do things differently. The main things would be diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. (yup, the same old advice they always give you).

Anyways ill keep it shortish on here. Any questions, fire away.