48yrs Old Recovering from 1st Heart Attack

[RealStiggy]

Last Thursday 15th August I suffered a Heart Attack at the age of 48. My family have a history of heart disease, I have been taking Statins & BP medication for the last 20+ years in the vain hope I could avoid or at the very least delay in the family genetic tradition. Anyways I survived thanks to the fantastic NHS medical teams. Now I'm looking forward to physical and mental rehabilitation whilst adjusting to my new norm and trying to improve fitness to recover some of the heart function I have lost. Any help/hints/tips real life rehab timescales would be helpful. I'm a keen cyclist with miles of lovely flat gravel/farm tracks to use.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

It's good to hear you have survived your HA and appear to be optimistic about your recovery and going forward with your life. If you are now discharged from hospital you are likely to have been referred to a cardio rehab course organised by your hospital. Your discharge notes should comment on this. If you are not sure contact the cardio team medical secretary for clarification, although not every hospital run a rehab course. Rehab courses are usually held a few weeks after your event and the aim is to give you guidance on your way forward in the recovery process and will involve exercise geared to your individual needs. But if you wish to start exercising ahead of this be aware we are all different in our recovery rates and capabilities although as you appear to be younger and fitter than many on here so you can probably take up exercise earlier, but go steady initially, slowly ramp up and do not overdo it. And if you require any professional guidance in addition to that already given by your cardio team and perhaps your GP, the BHF Heart Helpline is a good source. Finally to ensure your future heart health risk is reduced I suggest you look through the BHF webpages which give plenty of tips on lifestyle including diet, exercise, body weight management, alcohol and smoking some of which may be of use to you. I hope your recovery goes well.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I am so sorry to hear about your heart attack

You seem to have a really positive outlook though which I am sure will help your recovery

I cannot add anymore than Lowerfield_no_more has replied which is very helpful

Let us know how you get on x

[Callie456]

I had a HA at 45, completely unexpected. My main tip is to attend cardiac rehab and don't worry if you can't do much at first. I was walking as slow as a snail initially and got back to my regular walking pace after several months. The emotional side of things can be difficult and often underestimated, so seek support if you need it. Take things slowly, there might be things you don't get back to quite at the level you were able to do before, everyone's different, just listen to your body and take things one step at a time.Best wishes

[Jules2021]

HiAge 43 for me thanks to family genetics too. Four years on and doing well with just a few blips along the way. I didnt have physical cardiac rehab due to pandemic but from what i have read on here it is definitely worth doing and helps with confidence after.

All the best with your recovery x

[Mattd_UK]

hi, age 45 for me, 7 months on and im doing great, stent in my LAD which was pretty clogged up, surprised myself , my private Dr and family too.

I take my meds and i completed my cardio rehab, i now swim most mornings before work around 3/4 a 1 mile and go to the. Extended cardio class with my older pals..

ive been on holidays to venice, marbella and local uk areas too ... I've enjoyed myself as best i can.

There will always be some worry over niggling pains, how far is the hospital etc, all mental issues, i also have a back issue in my left upper back, which is directly behind my heart so that in itself doesn't help.

My advice is this, put it behind you as best you can , exercise , eat healthier, drink alcohol when you feel like it and never smoke.

Sleep is also really important too , if there are daunting days mentally then pop on here, do not use google !

Hope you are on the mend and you get back to normal asap