Panic attack, cardimyopathy

[colo60]

If one has breathlessness really bad, and heart palpatations, and fatigue, and that is classed as a panic attack, would there be cause for concern if the person in question had left ventricular heart muscle damage, and had a 30% heart mortality rating .. 73 yrs age Thank you

[Western1234]

Hello colo60, I am new here, recently diagnosed (24.04.24) with dilated cardiomyopathy which has gone on to cause my heart to fail.

There are two separate issues you have mentioned in your post: 1. A panic attack; 2. LV muscle damage with a 30% mortality rating

For 1. I would suggest that you review the events leading upto the panic attack: what were you thinking that led to the emotional spike in feelings? Is there a way to "short circuit " those thoughts, feelings, to stop yourself being led into panic mode? This panic attack, was it the first ever or something that you have experienced before/regularly? Do you know for sure that what you experienced was a panic attack?

Regarding 2. LV muscle damage with 30% mortality rating - who did you receive this information from? If via a cardiolgy clinician, it would be best to contact them to discuss what they have said, in case there has been a misunderstanding.

I was initially diagnosed in Feb 2024, as having left ventricle heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction of 35%, could the clinician have said something similar to you? A reduced ejection fraction is very different thing from a mortality rating.

(After lots of tests, I have now been diagnosed with non ischaemic heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy, affecting both of my ventricles🙈)

Either way I would recommend a conversation with either a GP, heart failure nurse, or cardiologist soon as possible. You can then discuss your concerns and worries with someone who knows your diagnosis in detail.

I know that it is easier said than done, but try not to worry, once you can obtain a better understanding of your diagnosis you may find that your panic attacks disappear.

What I did was look through the posts on here, the BHF and the cardiomyopathy websites - it helped me gain perspective. It really helped me to know that there are people with a similar diagnosis who have lived 20, 30 and 40 years.

Best wishes Western

[colo60 in reply to Western1234]

Dear Western, please excuse me for my delay, my 6 Yr old Springer almost died the day I posted. her lack of red cells were critical. been back and forth totally upset , anyway my apologies.. in answer to your query. I had a dispute, nothing at all really, I collapsed a short while after. breathless & heart fluttering I'd had for half hr, I was took to a room as I was in town. a nurse from somewhere nearby came and checked me, she gave her opinion as a panic attack, diagnosed breathlessness & heart flutters. I told her about the heart issue I have, but little concern to her, so I took that in and went asap to my doctor few days later, she checked me and blood tests, weight, BP, she has referred me for a Echocardiogram which is a more intense one that first showed my left ventricular heart muscle problem 10 years ago. only this test flagged the problem. she wants an updated valuation. I told of the incident and panic attack, once a nurse was mentioned the doctor changed conversation, I never got an answer to wether ( if ) panic attack with what I suffer from warrented a straight visit to hospital, as panic attack could have been misconstrued with my heart problem.. I was quite poorly for a few days hence the doctor visit. Thank you for your comments. kind of you

[Western1234 in reply to colo60]

Dear colo60,

It really sounds as though both you and your spaniel have been through some very tough times.

Wishing you well.

Take care of yourself.

Best wishes

[colo60 in reply to Western1234]

Many thanks - Col