about 6 weeks ago I had two separate episodes of what felt like crushing cardiac pain at rest over ten days. On each occasion I had been to a gym class in the morning.
I assumed wrongly that it was musculoskeletal as I’m 59 and very fit.
I did consult my GP and an ECG confirmed two infarcts. She started me on statins and referred me to cardiology but not aspirin. I’ve started that anyway as a precaution.
Im still waiting for the appointment but am living in terror that I am going to arrest at any moment.
I would love to hear how others have managed,
Best wishes
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Peahead174
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I am sorry that you are feeling so worried but a normal reaction and it must have been a shock
I had my first heart attack when I was 58 then had 2 more very quick after which resulted in a triple Bypass from having my first heart attack to getting my Bypasses done it was a really worrying time but I just told myself I am on the right medications and if they are not rushing me in then they must think I am ok to wait till they can fit me in
If while you are waiting you get these sensations again I would take myself to A&E as you would get checked over that way before your appointment but hopefully you will get your appointment soon
Make sure you let the Hospital know that you would like to also go on the cancellation list as sometimes that can get you seen quicker
Hopefully other members will come along and give you some good advice
Thank you so much for your really lovely reply. That is reassuring and you’re absolutely right it’s a stressful time which is normal. I will take up your suggestion about the cancellation list and am hoping to go to my local urgent care centre tomorrow.
your reactions are so normal! There have been lots of posts over the last few months similar to yours …. And mostly they repost after a few weeks feeling much happier! I’m sure you will join them.
Since it is customary for patients who sustained an acute or recent heart attack to be placed on beta blockers unless there are contraindications to them,perhaps you'll feel more protected & at ease if your GP phoned the cardiology consultant about your being put on one until your visit with the consultant. Living with that anxiety you're experiencing is harmful.
Thank you for that it’s a really useful suggestion and I’d completely not considered beta blockers . You’re right a small dose wouldn’t harm. My BP has historically been on the lower side, but since this it has gone up so the beta blockers would be indicated.
if it happens again don’t hesitate and call 999. Get and ambulance and try and persuade them to take you directly to one of the specialist cardiac care hospitals. Much better than A&E where some junior doctors might take hours deciding what treatment to offer.
Thank you for that I think I will and am actually annoyed with myself for not doing so on the first two. I didn’t even go to A&E thinking it was muscular skeletal and my GP thought the same until I had an ECG.
Im not sure if there is a cardiac hospital near me but it’s a useful thought and I will investigate,
Thank you for that thought it’s certainly one which has been floated around by some of my friends. I’m still hoping for some reassurance from the NHS and if I can get my anxiety levels down, I can hopefully sit out the waiting times!
I think its normal to feel this way, you have had a big shock, physically and mentally.
I had two cardiac arrests (within 2 hours) in February, and it takes time to recover physically and mentally. In the first few months I was scared to go places on my own, and I became very anxious if I left home without the GTN spray.
My partner and children are away for most of the summer, so I am on my own. I was quite scared of being on my own before they left, but its two an and a half weeks in and so far so good, though I do miss them and feel down and lonely at times. Initially I was terrified of going on my exercise bike or treadmill with no one else in the house, in case something were to happen to me, but I have got over that. I still worry at times, but perhaps this time on my own has been good for me in some ways - to not feel so dependent on others to be around all the time.
It will get easier, but it takes time, and that varies from one person to the next.
Thank you for your kind reply. I’m reassured by that and everyone else on this forum. It’s normalising the experience which is terrifying. I’m glad that you’re starting to feel a bit less scared and I’m sure I will too once I’ve spoken to some more people. I’m at the urgent care centre today so am hoping to get some further information.
Very best wishes ☺️
Hi after my HA I was terrified, in the first few weeks I rang 999 at least 6 times. The ambulance crew were amazing kind and reasurring, always telling me I had done the right thing. I was taken to A&E every time. Where they done bloods, blood pressure etc. They also understood how frightened I was, and were kind and caring. Yes you do have a long wait, but we are lucky to have a NHS. If it wasn't for the NHS how many of us would not be here now? So don't be frightened to ask for professional help. ❤
Thank you for sharing your story it has made me feel so much better. I’m at the local UCC and feeling bad for being so anxious but I’m beginning to understand that this is how everyone feels at first. I work for the NHS myself as a psychiatric nurse so am aware how services are stretched but will be reassured once I can speak to another professional ( practice nurse in cardiology) who can provide some information and maybe prescribe some beta blockers as kindly suggested by someone on this forum.
Hi, sorry to hear that. Your feelings are quite normal. I had a widowmaker at 56 (now nearly 60). Massive shock as I was fit and healthy (drumming in a band , running,walking etc). The key point was my Dad died at 57 (smoker etc). My cardiologist said I was very lucky but my lifestyle saved me. He pointed to genetics as the primary factory. Have you got this problem in your family? The great news is if you fit you are in a much better position to deal with this setback. God Bless.
Thank you for your very kind reply. There is a cardiac history on my maternal side although they didn’t have stents/ bypasses until much older and they’re still alive in their 80s. I’m reassured that being a runner/ cyclist might protect me too. I’m glad you’re still fit and well and I hope it hasn’t stopped you enjoying your healthy lifestyle,
Sorry to hear what you have gone through. Your worries are very natural. What I would say is that being very fit should stand you in good stead. You now know what a HA feels like, so if it happens again do call 999 immediately.
Although I only had one HA, I realised what was happening. I had high blood pressure and was extremely stressed at the time having worked long hours with a tight schedule ahead. I called 999, had paramedics with me in 18 minutes, was quickly assessed and then taken to the local cardiac centre. 90 minutes after calling 999 I was in recovery with two stents in my right coronary artery. I was told that my quick realisation that I was having a HA together with my level of fitness had certainly helped me withstand the HA. The damage to my heart was later found to be minimal and difficult to see on a scan.
You are already taking the right course of action for your situation. I am surprised your GP hasn't prescribed aspirin, but it is so inexpensive that maybe he/she thought it did not need prescribing. Taking 75mg daily is standard practice. Presumably your blood pressure has been checked and does not need medication to control it.
In my experience, being proactive with regards to my own health has been essential. Keeping positive and having something to look forward to certainly helps.
I hope you get your cardiology appointment soon and everything goes well for you. All the best,
That is very good advice and yes I only wish I’d called the ambulance as I’m now struggling to get seen and the long delays will have undoubtedly caused me harm. My BP is thankfully low and I have started myself on 75mg Aspirin despite the GP not even mentioning it. I am usually very proactive with heath but convinced myself it wasn’t a HA (twice!) only to find out later.
Well sorted here thanks. I was offered a triple bypass which happened the year after my HA. After 3 months I started backpacking again, getting more and more adventurous. Now I am doing Munros up in Scotland. Not sure how many years before I have to hang up my boots, but doing as much as I can in the limited time available.
I firmly believe we need to be on board in making decisions about our own health. I have worked with the Pharmacist at my GP practice to get a mix of medication that suits me. I've even had medication added to my prescription to cover my Raynauds and got agreement for the statin dose to be increased when my cholesterol showed signs of creeping up. I don't see it as being a me and them situation. In general the fact that I have gained knowledge applicable to my situation has been well received.
Hi, I’ve read all your messages and with regard to Aspirin if you are buying it yourself make sure you are taking Lansoprazole or equivalent to protect your stomach from the Aspirin. X
Thank you for your concern. I am taking the enteric coated formula so that isn’t harmful on your stomach. Funnily enough I was prescribed Omeprazole already for reflux so I’ll take it again if I have any problems,
Hi peaheadIdentified with your post very much. Female of 63, healthy & fit, had chest pain "event" just walking home (past my local health centre!) after what in retrospect were 2 smaller incidents in recent months. Health centre were great... however after transfer to hospital & several hours of tests all bloods and ECG were negative so they diagnosed probable angina, sent me off with a spray and like you I'm waiting for a cardiology appointment.
It is a huge shock & very anxious-making but the advice generated here is really helpful. Plus the reassurance that there are lots of ways of managing these conditions.
(Thanks kind people)
Would love to know how your story develops. You sound like a positive person who will make the best of this whatever your diagnosis.
Thank you for your kind words and sharing your story. It is a very helpful community and I’ve felt very reassured and supported by all the posts. I hope you get your appointment soon and I’m definitely trying to keep positive. My only concern is whether I can still exercise as much as usual until my treatment which is a long way off, but I’m hoping to find someone to advise.
I've went through similar, and to put your mind at rest and deal with the anxiety, at the slightest tweak I would take myself to A&E, although others have said don't. Lay it out for them, and with your recent cardio history you will be completely checked over there and then. If nothing else it might ease the anxiety, which is very stressful and not at all good for the heart.
Thank you for your message. I’m certainly going to be calling an ambulance and going to A&E if I gave further problems as I to is very scary and I’m not having much luck via my GP. I’ve been told my the BHF helpline that I should be referred to an urgent chest pain clinic, so I’m trying to message my GP today.
At the slightest hint of symptoms definitely call 999 for emergency assistance. Don't put it off, relying on the system to work its way around to you. It's your neck on the line, so act on any episode. The paramedics will put you at ease and you will be assessed in the aftermath which will reduce your anxiety.
Thank you for your concern and I most definitely will if this ever happens again. Since my first post I have now been referred to cardiology and may be seen in a few weeks . I’m also on a cardio protective medication regime so feel a little more reassured,
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