Palpitations after Heart Attack

[SleepySyd]

Hello, I had a heart attack 5 days ago and have had a stent put into the blocked artery. Last night I experienced heart palpitations which woke me up and then I was so anxious I couldn’t sleep. Is this normal ? Should I visit the doctor ? Thanks in advance 🙏

[Andy_roo]

I experienced the same in the early days. But as with any heart, chest related queries, best to direct issue to a GP.

Could be nothing but better to raise it with a GP.

Good luck with your recovery. Remember you have more support around you than you know, you Slacker 😉

[Qualipop]

So soon after your heart attack don't hesitate to ring at least 111. Better to have paramedics check things than to wait

[Yumz199725]

Probably best to see your GP given that you have recently had a heart attack x so sorry to hear 💔

[Dancerama]

I had similar for a few weeks (my heart attack and stent were 5 weeks ago). It's taken a while, but my palpitations seem to have calmed down a lot over the last 8/9 days, and I'm only getting them occasionally. Last couple of days have been very good, feel almost normal! Mine were worse when laying down. Cardio docs thought this was all normal, and due to the HA and stent, and the disrupted electric signals in the heart, and would calm down, and it has. Hope yours does too. But I would go back to your cardio team - I did. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Kimberly07]

Hi sleepysid after reading your comment it bought back memories after my heart attack and stent fitted. I to had palpitations and had chest pain and every little pain I had I thought I was having another heart attack it can be quite daunting afterwards. I live alone and can’t tell you how many times I’d phone 111 especially in the middle of the night as like you my anxiety would kick in. I was always reporting things to my doctor. 111 would always advise me and talk with me they were brilliant. I also took myself of to a/e couple times just to get checked out. I probably was a pain in the butt but all the professionals were so kind and help put my mind at rest. So what I’m saying is call 111 if you’re panicking about any issue but also tell your doc. British Heart Foundation are also good to talk to as well as the rehab cardiac team. Just don’t lay at night feeling anxious or scared there’s always someone to talk to. And this forum helped me loads. Take care of yourself things will get better you’ve been through a traumatic time and it takes time to recover

[BlueTosca]

Hi Sleepy Syd,

I had a pacemaker fitted about 8 weeks ago. I continued to feel all the symptoms of angina that I’d had before the pacemaker. Convinced myself that I needed stents or bypass. Completely surprised at my 6 week check up when the cardiologist said I’d be fine if I improved my excercise. I’d been too scared to push it. Decided to trust him and am getting better. Like you, I had phoned 111 and gone into a&e. Think you should always phone if you’re worried, but seems this experience isn’t uncommon. I just wish I’d been told it could happen.

Wishing you well.

[Orangeaday]

Snap SleepySyd! Had exactly the same as you - a stent fitted for STEMI. Had the procedure at 6am on a Saturday morning, back home by 5 pm on the Sunday. Within 3 weeks I was attending an 8 week, one day a week cardio rehab exercise class. Medication was (and still is) 7 tablets a day. Felt really well for 3 months then started waking up about 3am, sweating, really strong palpitations, strange feeling in chest area which felt more like an adrenalin rush than a pain. The whole episode left me feeling very weak. I was then awake for a couple of hours. This happened quite a few times and I am convinced it was panic attacks. (never had them before). I started practising very deep breathing . Obviously I'm not a doctor and whether it was panic attacks I cannot be sure but I seem to have overcome it and it doesn't happen any more. Of course see your doctor if nothing helps.