Chest pain Monday, though it was indigestion, Tuesday couldn't walk without being breathless, went to hospital, diagnosed with NSTEMI.Angi clear echo clear, awaiting MRI as an outpatient.
Just wondering if there's anyone out there with the same and what happened with you.
Hi Alfiesmum,
I’m sorry to hear about your NSTEMI.
I was suspected to have an NSTEMI in January 2022. The diagnosis was later changed to a different type of heart attack called a MINOCA (myocardial infarction in non-obstructed arteries). Like yourself, my angio was clear of obstructions and my echo was fine.
I was later diagnosed with vasospastic angina which is when my coronary arteries go into spasm, causing angina or chest pain as a result of reduced blood flow to my heart muscle. It is a less known form of angina and often under-diagnosed.
There is some more information about this type of angina below. It might be something you wish to mention to your cardiologist.
sciencedirect.com/science/a...
It is very important to rule out the cause of your NSTEMI. This will help determine the right treatment pathway and hopefully a diagnosis.
If you are symptomatic, it might be worthwhile to keep a log of your symptoms so you can present these to your cardiologist.
If you have any way of monitoring your vitals at home, such as a smart watch, oximeter or BP machine, this is also a good way of potentially helping to create a picture of your heart health for your cardiologist. I have been asked by my cardiologist to monitor my heart rate regularly using my Apple Watch.
I wish you all the best for your recovery and I hope you are able to get some answers once the testing has been complete.
There are others who have experienced an NSTEMI, so I hope they will share their story with you.
Tos
I had an NSTEMI six years ago. I thought I had a chest infection with slight chest pains, but ended up in hospital for four days most of which I felt was totally unnecessary. However after an inpatient angiogram I was told the four major heart arteries were moderately to severely blocked, but no stents given although one possible was considered inadvisable, and I was discharged with a doubling of my statin to the max plus the usual aspirin for life and in my case clopidogrel for a year. And I went to cardio rehab which was useful but not outstandingly helpful. And tbh other than coming on here, and being mindful of my cholesterol, I rarely think about it. Hope you are as fortunate as me.
Hello,
A Myocardial Infarction non obstructive coronary arteries MINOCA is usually a working diagnosis as it doesn't give the underlying cause of your heart attack.
There are several possible causes of a MINOCA, microvascular dysfunction, coronary vasospasms, spontaneous coronary artery dissection SCAD, arrthymias, a blood clot or small piece of plaque blocking a coronary artery.
About 10% of heart attacks occur without any permanent blockages of your coronary arteries. Women are disproportionately effected.
There is a growing awareness of these types of heart attacks.
When I was admitted to hospital nearly 12 years ago, because less sensitive troponin blood tests were used at the time, despite having dynamic ECG changes and severe chest pain, I was told incorrectly I couldn't have angina or a heart attack because my coronary arteries are unblocked.
Here's some more information about MINOCAs.
internationalheartspasmsall...
Hopefully your MRI will help your Cardiology team determine the cause of your heart attack and offer you the appropriate treatment.
Are you going to start your cardiac rehab soon which many heart patients find helpful and a great source of ongoing support.
No one's mentioned cardiac rehabilitation, do you get referred or refer yourself?
Cardio rehab is usually organised by the cardio unit of the hospital who have you under their responsibility, and is about 6 to 8 weeks after your 'incident', and you will be invited to attend. Best you go, if invited, and see it out. The worst you can do is to say you will go then give up after one or two sessions which denies others the opportunity of attending as was the case with a few on my course. However whether you get cardio rehab and what you actually get seem to vary by NHS Trust. If you look at your discharge notes from the hospital you might find a comment about rehab. If you are not sure, contact the cardio unit medical secretary who should be able to advise.
if you are not offered rehab the 'British Heart Foundation has a home-based, online rehab programme you can follow at your own pace - take a look on their website
Hi, sorry to hear this happened to you.
I was a healthy and active person until I had a heart attack 5+ years ago (NSTEMI type2) root cause - undiagnosed and untreated atrial fibrillation.
I was actually indoor climbing at the time, had a pain in my back and ignored it, assuming I had pulled a muscle or something. It was only later on, on my 20 min drive home that I developed a pain in my left arm, which migrated to my lower left jaw. I recognised these symptoms but was initially in denial. I then experienced some palpitations- HR up to 220bpm at rest. Didn’t feel unwell and strangely, I didn’t feel at risk.
Anyway I got to A&E with a trop assay and ECG confirming HA - treated with medication and transferred to Coronary Care Unit. An Echo showed some damage to my heart - slight LV dysfunction. A subsequent Angiogram showed no clotting with no interventions (stents) required. Discharged with medication and exercise. Afib diagnosed a few months later.
After a couple of weeks rest, I started cardiac rehabilitation.
Phase 3 - this is run by the NHS with cardiac nurses and some trainers from a local charity. It was a 12 week program, starting and finishing with a walking/jogging beep-test; to show progress. Predominantly this was low intensity circuit program designed to get you moving again after discharge and build confidence. The group was mixed (sex and age) and while I found it relatively easy, I did welcome the slow build up. There was a lot of uncertainty and trepidation in mind about the position I was in. This gave me the confidence to exercise again without feeling I was going to keel over. You also had the opportunity to discuss things with the staff, emotional support is important too. The psychological effects can sometimes be more debilitating than the problem itself. This was run in conjunction too, with some educational seminars covering things like diet, medication, etc.
Phase 4 - this is run by a local charity with their trainers. This was a 9 month program starting and finishing with full CPET tests (treadmill/Bruce protocol). On completion of the tests, the results are analysed and you are given a target heart rate to work to. You then follow the program, twice a week, circuit training or gym, working to your target. The staff are there (to monitor, support you and to show you how to work safely to your desired intensity.
On the initial test, I scored well for my age cohort and was given an ‘aggressive’ HR target. There was no looking back, I jumped straight in, predominantly just running on the treadmill. My final CPET test result was even better.
This was years ago now and I still attend the weekly gym sessions. I do have some low dose anti arrhythmia medication but I have now been ‘Afib free’ for 4+ years. Post heart attack, I was left with slight left ventricle dysfunction but this has gone, on my last echo; my heart is ‘structurally normal’. I currently feel that I don’t have any limitations- I regularly run, climb, cycle and travel.
I attribute a lot of this to the cardio rehab program, it was fantastic for me. I’d recommend anyone in the same position to give it a try.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Hi, I had Nstemi on 13th July 2023. Came out of a tough yoga class and felt very strange , put it down to not having any breakfast . Drive home with my wife and we had a brunch . I still felt very strange , sat down then had what thought was really painful trapped wind! I wanted to burp so badly , I was asking for a fuzzy drink , lemonade 🤣.. the pain was like being stabbed in the middle of my chest , I was pushing furniture away , in a bit of a state. My wife called 111, they kept asking questions about pain spreading , nope! They sent a crew but the pain was increasing so I called 999. ECG was clear , no indication of a cardiac event . The paramedics insisted that I go to hospital for blood (trop) tests to confirm if I’d had a heart attack or not. Seemed very sensible , they stressed that they couldn’t make me go … I wanted to.
All day in A&Ec, 13:00-23:25. Most of it in the corridors waiting for a second blood test result as the first was insignificant.. Doctor on duty thought he was sending me home as I looked so fit and well, until second test came back at 402 up from 74!
Angiogram next day showed 3 arteries severely blocked . I ended up with quadruple bypass on 35th July 2023. Rehabbing really well , not a linear recovery , some issues with meds and had a stubborn infection in my chest wound at the start . Bloody grateful to the medics doctors , nurses and surgeons that treated me . I’m glad I had the Nstemi and a cardiac arrest like a mate of mine , that does sound scary !!
Hi Alfiesmum, I had NSTEMI October last year age 61. I had been pretty fit, no health problems. Thought it was heart burn or something to do with chest as I was waiting for repeat chest xray results from a chest infection and cough that didn’t go away. Pain went on for several hours. It had been in my back, then chest and down both arms. I was on my way to Scotland on train. Felt really bad, pain wouldn’t go away, felt clammy, and alerted the staff on train, had to get off at York and ambulance called. ECG in ambulance didn’t show anything much but they took me in as I needed more tests because of ongoing chest pain. I also felt breathless when I had to walk to get another chest xray. Blood test confirmed heart attack and I was taken to CCU eventually and next morning had angiogram, they fitted a stent in one of the smaller arteries at the back of heart. Stayed in one more night, York Hospital were amazing. Discharged home and they referred me for Cardiac Rehab when I got home. This was very helpful and I would totally recommend it. Didn’t have the longer phase at the end though like someone else said. I continue to go out walking every day which I love and I feel OK. On usual drug regime but no BP meds as BP low. I think of it as a warning and if I continue to be sensible and follow advice I can’t see any reason why I can’t go on and live a normal life. Cardiac Rehab really helps you to understand what’s happened and gives you confidence to exercise and move on. It’s brilliant.
NSTEMI 6 years ago; two stents fitted, two more blockages found but not bad enough to stent. Like you I just had horrific indigestion for 3 days then a mild tingling up my neck and down my arm made me ring 999. Fine now, only taking a statin and an aspirin. Lots and lots of people on here like you who had a NSTEMI without any obvious blockages. I got one appointment about a month later with cardiac rehab; horrible nurse who gave me a book, a lecture on smoking then refused to let me do rehab because I'm in a wheelchair; wouldn't even let me try.
Hi I had a non stemi also known a NSTEMi, I ended up with two stents, and a cocktail of meds.
Post nstemi.. liver bloods?
Has anyone had successful results for Silent Reflux
ACS (Nstemi) aged 35 and no cause
Still very anxious following NSTEMI
