I'm a retired policeman and now retired linguistics professor. I thought I was super fit, walking 14,000 steps a day on average when, just last week, I found even a short walk or physical exertion caused me severe dizziness, and breathlessness. It was extremely sudden. I was referred to my local hospital and wired up and told I appear to have angina. I was given GTN spray, which helps, and a date for urgent assessment by a cardiologist in just over a week. I have half an acre of garden that needs my attention and suddenly I've become an invalid. Not happy. 🙁
Intro: I'm a retired policeman and now... - British Heart Fou...
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Dogglebird
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Dear Dogglebird, sorry to hear about your condition. It sounds like an angiogram, like me that you need. I have got to go for an angiogram next month. I hope it all goes well and try not over doing things. Rabbit55.
Thanks. Same goes for you
hang on in there. See what cardiology find. All that exercise will mean your body is in better shape than most. So whatever is amiss might well be recoverable. Then your ginormous garden can be recovered.
Best wishes
C.
Cheers! Fingers crossed!
Hi there,
Don't write it off just yet and wait to see what the doctors say.
If you were fit and active then that's great as it will always be an advantage, also age irrespective of how well we behave, well we do age plays a factor so be kind to yourself.
Thanks. I'm hoping I'll be getting some medication and that will sort me out. It's all come on so fast. One minute I'm chopping down trees or laying paving and the next I'm like an invalid. Totally unexpected.
I went from running a reasonable 10K to not being able to comfortably run faster than 5mph. Coming to terms with that is tough, but sounds you are on the road to finding a good solution and future whether it be meds, stents or other. Being previously fit is very very useful - look into 'collateral' blood vessels to see how the body can adapt naturally as well (an angiogram would help to identify this). Take it easy and pace yourself.
Sound advice. Cheers!
Your description sounds really odd to me. One week you are superfit and walking thousands of of steps per day, the next week you can hardly walk. And the provisional diagnosis is angina?! I assume the initial consultation with the cardiologist will be a much better indicator of what is actually wrong with you, and the angiogram will provide even better information. In the meantime don't worry about your garden, that is is secondary to your health.
I thought the same. I haven't yet seen a cardiologist, but the bA&E consultant said he thought it was angina and I have to say that the GTN spray definitely eases the chest-tightness. What also surprised me was the randomness of attacks. There doesn't seem to be a pattern. I have just returned from taking my dog for a 30 minute walk and I had no issues. Other times I'll get an attack while loading the dishwasher. I can't explain it. Looking forward to seeing the specialist next week.
Apparently unstable angina is unpredictable, whereas stable angina is less so. My layman's understanding is that 'angina' is more a symptom or consequence of a condition affecting the heart rather than condition on its own, although I am open to correction on that.
I live with an unpredictable rarer type of angina. Usually angina is caused by a permanent build up of plaque lining the coronary arteries. Mine is caused by transient constrictions of the coronary arteries, coronary vasospasms.
I experience most of my episodes of angina at rest, often out of the blue.
Perhaps keep a log of your symptoms and see if there is any pattern or triggers to your angina.
I hope you don't have to wait too long to see a Cardiologist.
Thanks for the advice. My wife has been keeping a log and I will be taking that with me next week when I see the cardiologist for the first time. The unpredictability of your attacks must be the most worrying aspect.
So many people here share your situation. It is such an unbelievable shock and hard to get to grips with. Frustratingly there will be a period of uncertainty while the clinicians to do all the necessary tests and get all the results back. As Rabbit55 says try not to over do things while you are waiting for it to be worked out what underlies the angina. This is not easy but could save you from having a heart attack and mean, once everything is sorted, that you are back out sorting out the garden. Keep coming back to this forum with any questions there is a wealth of knowledge here.
Thanks. I'll definitely be coming here regularly. I want to read other people's experiences - and advice!
Like you, my heart attack struck this NARPO member like a bolt out of the blue. Within 6 months I had taken on an allotment to add to my fairly large garden. Still doing both today. Heart issues are not the end of life as we know it, they provide the wake up call to rethink how we treat ourselves.
Good luck and stay safe out there.
Yogi
Thanks. I agree. Eating more healthily and losing weight has to be a priority. Must get a few more years from the pension scheme, right?
Certainly need to make those senior officers suffer each time they make a valuable contribution to your monthly life of "leisure"(?).Don't let 'em off lightly!!
I assume you have had an ECG?
Yes, but they didjn't comment on what they found. I have noticed by blood oxygen level tends to be a tad low, though, at 93%.
Hi Dogglebird, I also found it was a bit of a shock when I was also diagnosed with angina. I was lucky it was spotted before I had a heart attack.
My angiogram showed a 90% blockage of my main heart artery. I was not expecting it, but after my angiogram I was offered, and accepted ,a stent on the same day as the angiogram.
This could be an option you are offered too.
A few weeks later I was in cardiac rehab which helped me get back to exercise and at 3 months I was signed off by my cardiologist with no restrictions and I was back to running knocking a couple of minutes off my 5k so it looked like angina was holding me back.
Good luck with the angiogram. In the meantime have you got someone who can keep your garden under control while you recover?
Hi Dogglebird, I’m also retired from law enforcement, did 41 years , retired from NCA and manage our 14 acre small holding. I had Nstemi heart attack july 2023, totally out of the blue and I was fit and strong (it helped hugely with my recovery). I did notice that for months before my heart attack ( I thought I had trapped wind 🤦🏼) that I was getting very tired. I was finding that I couldn’t do my normal daily farm chores and then do my weight training program. I’d come in from working outside, sit down and write my training plan out and then fall asleep in front of the Sweeney 🤦🏼🤣🤣. My family thought I was malingering . I was so tired , I couldn’t fight it , I became concerned that my testosterone had dropped . Managed to get a GP appointment and blood tested for thyroid, testosterone, B12, blood sugars etc. i got a text saying everything normal . Six weeks later I had the heart attack. All the medics I spoke to said fatigue is one of the top signs of a cardiac issue, I just didn’t present as a cardiac patient.
I ended up having quadruple open heart bypass surgery as stenting wasn’t possible/suitable.
I certainly needed help to get things done outside for a few months. The physical side is one thing, the mental side of it totally another. I really think I had/have a touch of ptsd post event, 11 months surgery and I’m doing really well , now agrd 62 and still living life to the full with help of meds . I really hope you find solutions to your situation and get a really good outcome. Keep us posted 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻.
Post quadruple heart surgery
Thanks for sharing that. I'm almost 67 and have maintained good health aside from controlled high blood pressure and occasional asthma. I definitely feel the fatigue, usually in the form of sleepiness in the afternoon or early evening. What amazed me was how quickly it all came on without warning. Glad to see you are mending well. There is always hope.
I had a heart attack and cardiac arrest after being at the gym in the morning. Like you I was fit. Being fit will work in your favour. They told me that was the only reason I was mentally and physically intact. ( no risk factors but had long covid), I’m still here almost 3 years later I still consider myself fit ( despite all the medications). I swim at least 2 miles a week, play badminton, walk, Pilates and other random activities. I’m extremely active. So never think of yourself as an invalid!!! Your not. Since my cardiac event I’ve stopped working. I worked in the NHS and they were not for offering me anything decent to return to work. But I’m enjoying my life and met new people I would never have met before. Be strong it’s a rollercoaster but you’ll get through it.
Thanks. I have to say I am not unduly worried. I expect the cardiologist to dish out some tablets and lifestyle advice and I can return pretty much to normal. OK, I may be in for a shock, but I am a stoical type and I'm not going to let this grind me down. I couldn't swim two miles to save my life, but I am fit in other ways. Glad you're doing well.
Don't take this the wrong way Dogglebird..... Welcome to the real world! this can hit anyone anywhere and in anyway.I too was classed as very fit (I climbed and worked on Radio masts and towers) and mysteriously I dropped dead at home having had a cardiac arrest.Take this as an opportunity to rethink things and also as your body giving you the heads up it's time to slow down a bit
So take it slightly easier and love life more.
Thanks, CrofterG - you sound like my wife 😜 - she says the same thing. That cardiac arrest sounds scary! I'm sure slowing down a bit is probably a good idea.
First off don't think of yourself as an invalid you aren't you just have a heart problem . Once you see the cardiologist you will find out what's wrong and get help. Just because you can't do what you did doesn't mean you can't do what you want you just have to find a different way to achieve what you want.
I was born disabled but didn't get my diagnosis until April 2022 as I have the rare hereditary Hyperekplexia gene mutation SLC6A5 type 3. It's only by having my whole genome genetically tested I could be diagnosed .
Plus in 2020/2021 found I was also born with a small hole in the side of my heart . I am now 66.
I have lived my whole life not knowing about my heart. My old GP miss diagnosed my heart condition via in house ECG and not put on heart medication. Never saw a cardiologist.
Took a move for 100+ miles to the north west to get a GP who sent me to see a cardiologist who asked if I had an echocardiogram which I hadn't so he had one done not expecting to find anything then having a bubble echocardiogram and the radiographer saying we can see bubbles but not where expected . Test run 3 times.
Then after trips to A&E they caught AF on the ECG. And referred to AF clinic. I have PAF on Flecainide and Apixaban.
My old neurologist could have run the test my neurologist did but didn't. Plus I had limb jerks since 1988. Have been in constant pain since a child.
My new neurologist put me on Clonazepam in 2020 within 2 weeks no limb jerks or seizures . My old one could have done the same but didn't. I had limb jerks for 32 years and 4 full blown seizures which took my speech for hours.
So that's why I said you are not an invalid you just have health problems. As a retired police officer you know how to adapt to things that happen in your life.
I also try and find a positive from a negative even if it's something as simple as a flower. So pleased try and find positives .
Wishing you well and hopefully they find out soon how you can be helped.
Thank you for sharing your story. I don't regard myself as an invalid - I have spent the afternoon in my garden pruning trees, but was careful not to overdo it. I have been fortunate in my life that I haven't had major issues such as those you have suffered. Best wishes!
Hello. I have HF/AF and like you and everyone I suddenly could hardly walk. PLeas believe me there is lufe at the endnof the tunnel. 2 years on and with the care of a wonderful cardiologist and the correct medication my life is as it was before disaster struck. I know if I stopped taking all my tablets I would be back to square one, but taking them is a small price to pay for leading a normal life. Good luck. I hope you soon get the correct medication and are back chopping down trees. You may find a site called Pumping Marvellous helpful.
I think a good cardiologist is key. I will look up "Pumping Marvellous" and see what they say. Cheers!
Best advice already given is to manage your capabilities now while waiting for expert advice and try not to worry. I noticed that angina had been mentioned often but another culprit could be the electrical systems around your heart which control your heartbeat and consequent ability to send resource to your muscles on demand. I retired fit and healthy from a safety critical occupation only a few weeks later to have what felt like a severe bout of flu that lasted half a day, but next day I found walking a short distance hard work. I never had any nausea or light headedness but while I could do all I normally needed, if I tried to power walk or climb a hill I would start off fine then have to stop as the stored energy in my muscles had been used up but my heart was not responding to the demand from my muscles for extra power by speeding up. The best example was of starting to walk along the platform at Kings Cross mainline station at my normal fast speed, then have to stop half way down then resume walking but at a slower pace. After investigations, a problem with my mechanical valve was ruled out and it transpired that I was suffering from total heart block, with a pacemaker fitted as soon as a surgeon was available. The good news is that within a week I was back to my full normal capacity and the pacemaker works pretty well unnoticed in the background to ensure that I can live a normal healthy unrestricted life. The term total heart block sounds pretty horrendous but in my case certainly was easier resolved.
your not an invalid. Your Cardiologist will find a way forward for you. Positive thoughts will help you through. Good luck.
Thanks. Definitely not an invalid. I was out in my garden this afternoon doing a bit of light pruning of my trees. I will definitely stay active. Cheers!
Were you advised to take a low dose aspirin daily? Avoid strenuous exertion from now on. In a sense,new onset angina has to be handled like unstable angina until proven otherwise. By this,I mean that if your angina symptoms recur repeatedly, for minor exertion,lasts longer or awakens you from sleep, use the nitroglycerin spray, take an aspirin& proceed to the emergency room for prompt evaluation & care. The goal is to avoid an actual heart attack and heart muscle damage. Please validate this advice with your GP or cardiologist.
No, I wasn't advised to take aspirin although I have some in my home. I will absolutely avoid strenuous exercise - including strenuous gardening like digging up tree roots which I had planned to do - until I have seen the cardiologist. Thanks for your imput.
It seems that we both have something in common! The garden and our heart trouble!
After my stents and cardiac rehab. I went straight back to gardeneing with the same vigour as before, taking it in my stride and finishing all the mainwork, that was last year? Since then my heart has gone through several changes. Now I have simply got excited when the sunshine has been bright, I have often thought about cutting grass, that's as far as I have ever got so far. I am worried that I may never cut the grass this year???I think the grass does have a certain appeal when it's half a metre tall? I hope that explains my mental and heart condition now!
That's rather sad. I have a large garden which is high maintenance and I can't just leave it to fester - nor can I expect my wife to do it all. I'm pinning my hopes on the cardiologist giving me some tablets and telling me they will fix my issue. None of us can know what the future holds. I guess you can only be hopeful that your condition will improve. Stay strong.
If your cardiologist knows of any medication that can give us strenght let me know?
From what I've read, beta blockers seem to be the favourite.
I'm on Bisoprolol 1.25mg/daily. Been on it to stop my angina and AF. It is well known for slowing down the HR, loweriing BP also.
I suspect they will give that or another betablocker if the angina is confirmed.
The "standard" angina cocktail for me (no previous meds) included statins, aspirin and ranolazine as well as the beta blockers
Wow! You must be rattling when you walk! I have meds for high blood pressure, although they don't always seem all that effective.
I have had a similar experience to you and I am slowly improving. It can take several years to get back to close to your previous fitness level. My episode was in 2019, I believe, I can now walk up hills without a bad reaction.
Several years? Gosh! That's depressing. I was thinking more like several days. Clearly, that's unrealistic.
I'm guessing they will be doing more tests, so I'd keep an open mind on the treatment until they are complete (e.g. CTCA and/or Angiogram in my case, to see the extent of the problem). Whatever the outcome, it will be a positive step in getting back to normality, or even better as many say 🙂
Yeah, I'm sure that's right. I've been fine for the past two days - no symptoms. OI just hope I'm not wasting people's time.
Definetly not wasting time, I know what you mean though, best get checked out 👍🏻
It took 2 years to diagnose a heart attack had occurred sometime in the past and during Covid nothing much happened for me in the hospital or with my GP. As soon as I was put on low dose cardiac drugs I improved rapidly. Hopefully you will improve much quicker than I did!
Thanks. Mine seems intermittent. I had a week of symptoms every day including extreme dizziness, chest tightness, racing heart, yet for the past two days I have been absolutely fine. I have no idea what's going on.
You have had a lot of replies that are on the whole very encouraging. I was walking very vigorously and regularly up fells in the lake district 3 weeks before I had bouts of Angina that were classed as unstable even though physical activity brought it on, no sign whatsoever that anything was wrong, so this can and does come on very suddenly. When I had an Angiogram my main left Artery (LAD) was almost completely blocked, surgeon said I was very lucky not to have had HA or worse. I personally know of 2 other blokes my age with no symptoms whatsoever who are no longer with us.
Now I'm sprinting past folks at the local parkrun half and more my age, hopefully you may just need a bit of plumbing work doing, and then do as your told and you have a second chance, at least you are now on the radar and still with us, good luck.
sorry I am late to this thread!
Like you, I am very fit. I worked as a deckhand on a boat and went running and hiking etc.
Then I had an atrial fibrillation episode in my heart which put me in hospital for a night. Now I am managing the condition after ablation procedure (which I don’t think worked!). I am still very fit but have stopped running. I don’t want to over exert my heart, which I had always taken for granted.
My advice for what it’s worth is to eat healthy, keep fit as possible and enjoy your lovely garden (which I admit to envying as I live in a flat with just a balcony!).
All the best and welcome to the heart club. I have found these wise owls to be invaluable in their ready support.
Thanks for your response - and excellent advice. I know I am lucky with my garden but it's a massive amount of work.
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