Cardiac

[Lrfc]

I had a cardiac arrest out of hospital in November and struggle with anxiety

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I am so sorry to hear about your cardiac arrest

Did they have to give you any stents as well as the usual cocktail of medications ?

Also have you always had anxiety or has this occurred since your cardiac arrest

It is a life changing thing and for me I had 3 heart attacks resulting in a triple Bypass I already suffered with severe anxiety before all this but after even though I did not believe my anxiety could get any worse it did and over 2 years later I struggle but this does not mean you will I am just saying it is very common that it affects people in this way even people that have never had anxiety but find themselves suffering after

I am not sure if you will have had an invite to attend Rehab yet if you do please attend it helps people so much

If you are really struggling then talking with your GP as again I am not sure if you take meds for your anxiety but this is something you could discuss or some Counselling can really help even though I know the waiting lists can be long

Meantime know you are not alone and members will see your post and I hope their replies will give you some reassurance

Let us know how you get on x

[Lrfc in reply to BeKind28-]

Hi this is the first time for anxiety doctor as prescribed sertraline.worrid about taken it as Im on clopidogrel can cause bleeding in stomach

[BeKind28- in reply to Lrfc]

Hello

Sertraline is an anxiety drug that both Doctors and Consultants find they get good results from patients that are suffering with anxiety especially after heart events

They would not have prescribed it you if they felt it would not be safe and I presume you are taking a PPI as so many of us do when out on heart medications to help protect the stomach and prevent anything like ulcers and bleeding so if they have prescribed them I am sure you will be safe in taking them x

[Samazeuilh2]

Speak to your GP or to the BHF helpline to see if CBT therapy is available. If there is a long waiting list there are various online courses which you could do.

[pasigal]

I too had an out of hospital cardiac arrest. We survived! Most don't. That was almost three years ago, and for the first two years I had horrible anxiety attacks, several of which landed me in the hospital, convinced that I was dying. I did have some talk therapy, which helped. But I can tell you that it DOES get better. I take my medication, eat right, exercise and see my cardiologist every six months. Good luck.

[BeeBee79]

I’m not surprised - it’s early days still. I had one on holiday in Crete in July 22 age 43 with no apparent reason. Have you been offered cardiac rehab which includes gentle return to exercise and counselling? The counselling didn’t work for me personally as it’s all logical in the moment but when panic takes over, they did provide some useful tools to help to control it. I think time is the biggest healer. Have you been fitted with an ICD?

[Lrfc in reply to BeeBee79]

Thanks for your reply .my cardiac arrest came out the blue I was with my12 autistic son going to watch my local football team it happened on the train station.my doctor as prescribed me sertraline but im worried about taken it because it could react with clopidogrel and make my stomach bleed

[BeeBee79 in reply to Lrfc]

I personally don’t think Sertraline will help - you need to help deal with the trauma, not mask it with drugs. It’s a traumatic life event which is extremely distressing - don’t let anybody minimise it. I would go back to a different GP and ask for more help without taking more drugs with clashing side effects.

There is a Facebook group called Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK which may help you too. Speaking to other survivors can help in some small way.

Your poor son

[andy110519]

Hi, I had my cardiac arrest nearly 5 years ago at the local Parkrun, closely followed by OHS for a dodgy heart valve.Found a group on Facebook Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK, also now online, lots of helpful information from people have been through the same.

Take care

Andy

[Qualipop]

You would be extremely odd if you didn't suffer with anxiety. It's a life changing event. Have you had cardiac rehab yet? If no one has offered it yet do enquire. It's by far the best there is for helping your confidence. Exercise tailored to you personally with the support of cardiac nurses. Maybe your G P could help get it arranged. Alternatively he can help you find a talking therapy. Do you have someone at home who understands your worries? Do talk to your GP .

[Choccie55]

Anxiety and heart health unfortunately seem to go hand in hand which is very understandable. I’ve done a mindfulness course which I’ve found helpful. Contact your local NHS Talking Therapies - you can self refer.