New to CAD

[Natas6]

I’m 48 years old and just recently had a calcium score done. It’s came back as 312. My cardiologist put me on a statin and told me to take a low dose aspirin 81 mg every day. I was also advised to change my diet and get more cardio exercise. I have changed my diet completely and started riding an exercise bike every day.( along with the medication ) I’ve not had any heart attacks but I am prone to high anxiety and a history of panic attacks that I have done well to get under control. Now with all this new information about my heart I feel like I have this doom feeling on my shoulder. I know it’s my anxiety and I’m doing my best with all I’ve learned about anxiety but this one is rough. I’m assuming it will take some time to deal with this. I guess I’m on here to see how others feel or felt.

[TasteLessFood4Life]

hi,

Welcome to the club, that no-one wants to be part of 😎. Anyway, I am similar in age and have CAD, but no HA to date touchwood. Was suffering from panic attacks and anxiety last year - but glad to report I have managed to keep these largely at bay now. I have also changed my lifestyle by eating a healthier diet and managing a more active lifestyle.

The anxiety or panic attacks were so bad - I thought I was having a cardiac event. Massive spike in BP, heart-rate racing out of the blue combined with chest-pain and arm pain. This would be triggered randomly and for no reason.

Given these symptoms - it was really hard to tell the difference between panic and HA. I went to A&E several times following the attacks, but they gave me the all clear. However, deep down I knew that something had changed in my body - so went via the private route and did all the tests for heart (holter, echo and angiogram CT). Sadly, the CT came back with moderate stenosis of the LAD. At first, hard to swallow, but have eventually come to terms with. Cardiologist prescribed statin and low dose aspirin.

Now back to the panic attacks - I think exercise helps with mental well being. Also, general enviornment where you operate in is also important (work/home) - stress induces stress - if it is too hot in the kitchen get out!

I have also noticed that I am much more chilled now about stuff in general, whereas before little things would get to me if you know what I mean. I think the sum of these marginal gains, have helped massively.

So, there you go - dont think you need anything radical but small changes here and there and you will get there. Anxiety - is mainly a mental thing and if out of control it can grow like a snowball and cause all kinds of issues in daily life.

[Natas6 in reply to TasteLessFood4Life]

Thanks for the response and love the name That’s pretty much it, tasteless food Lol. I appreciate your feed back on the matter. I’ve dealt with the anxiety for years and have it pretty well under control. I followed the Claire Weekes Methods and couple others like her. Seems to work really well. I have excepted this. I think this new diagnosis and entry into the cad club threw me for a loop. My mind seems to look for all the answers and really the o my answer is just stick to my diet and exercise and do what the dr says and pray for the best. I just want to be able to live a somewhat normal life again without doom a gloom sitting over my shoulder. I suppose this will come with time. Again thank you for your response.