Septal Infarct

[Dhalialover]

Hello, I have been diagnosed with a Septal Infarct - age undetermined, although I remember exactly when it happened and always thought something bad happened that day. Everyone including my GP said it was an anxiety attack. Discovering I have this damage to my heart is upsetting and they seem to be saying there is nothing I can do because I already live a healthy lifestyle. I am 49. Has anyone else had this? Do you have any advice? If the first attack happened due to extreme stress (bereavement), how do I prevent another attack because sometimes life is extremely stressful? Does this mean I won't get old? Thank you

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Dhalialover,

Welcome to the forum.

It can be a shock when you are given the findings of a test that confirms that you were right, that something was physically wrong with you, but were sadly not listened to by those you expected to help you.

There is alot of research to show that about 50% of women's heart attacks are misdiagnosed at first.

Heart attacks often diagnosed as panic attacks or angina diagnosed as anxiety

This happened to me, many years ago.

I suggest you ask your GP to refer you to see a Cardiologist.

You may want to ask about whether there are further tests that you can be offered to determine why your septal infact has occured.

About 10% of heart attacks occur without any permanent blockages to the coronary arteries. The common causes are microvascular dysfunction, coronary vasospasms, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, a blood clot or a piece of broken off plaque blocking the coronary artery.

It's important to know why this has happened to you, so that you can be offered the appropriate treatment to help prevent it happening again.

Perhaps also give the BHF helpline a call and speak to one of the cardiac nurses too?

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Dhalialover in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you so much and I am sorry this happened to you also. Yes I now need to know why this happened so I can better protect myself. I have messaged BHF helpline and got some great advice. We are so lucky to have them.