My husband unexpectedly suffered a heart attack just over a month ago. He is only 38 and had no previous health concerns, and doesn't smoke or really drinks so this came at a complete shock to us! He had an emergency angioplasty and subsequently had a stent fitted in one of his arteries, and is having another one done in 10 days to open up another artery. Like many of you, he is now on lifelong medicines which has also been bit of a shock as he previously took no medication. Has anyone under 40 experienced anything similar? Or are there any family members out there who have? There doesn't seem to be much in the way of support or groups near us for anyone his age. He will be attending cardio rehab sessions towards the end of October but has been told he is likely to be the youngest by far. Any support / tips / advice / connections / or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading!
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CWBWfam
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Sorry to hear about your hubby's HA at such young age. Hope the recovery is going well.
My late dad had a HA at 36 mainly due to bad genes. He led a pretty normal life after that and didnt have another one again. I remember it being a huge shock, but with time the fear subsides and you move on to a point where you wonder if you ever had one. My dad never led this event define him in any shape or form.
I am 48 and have just finished the 8 week cardiac rehab classes. I was the youngest there by far and also the fittest having stayed active all my life. I have never smoked, I don’t drink and I am slim with no additional weight. And yet I still found myself having a stent fitted in June of this year.
My biggest advice is to stick with the classes. At first I felt a sense of injustice that I was at the classes when everyone around me was older or carrying extra weight or with significant health problems. I think I felt a little angry and in denial and I didn’t want to continue with the classes but I have since learned that heart problems are in my genes with a family history of heart attacks.
I stuck with the classes and they were excellent. The cardiac nurses were compassionate, caring and knowledgeable. I made friends with many of the other participants and shared stories, hints and tips. I also learnt a lot about heart care. Plus there is a wide network of support available that you just don’t know about until the nurses talk to you about it.
Having read the two replies from Tastelessfood and Aljobrad I can only trust they have given you both some peace of mind. Wishing you both well and future happiness.
Hi, I had a heart attack last year and I was 37. In terms of cardiac rehab, there was one woman who was young as well. Mine came as a complete surprise, wouldn’t say I was a paragon of healthy living but no other pre existing conditions. I would ask if they can test him for genetic high cholesterol - if he is having a stent at that age - it is possible that he has that. I didn’t have that but I had mild plaque which they think may have caused it. Originally I had 4 sections of heart that were non viable but now it is only 1. Sometimes I think about it but mostly I just live my life and take the meds. I do find it weird that I have blood pressure tablets but have never had high blood pressure. The main drawback is travel insurance - going to America is unbelievably expensive now
With things like heart attacks they don't discrimate based on how young or old you are and they can strike those who are supposedly fit and healthy by society's standards!
Hi, I know all too well how “unfair” it can feel sometimes. I have congenital heart disease, so it is definitely a little bit different, but I do feel that I can relate. I did grow up very healthy with a normal lifestyle so to speak. I was active, played volleyball, I was in ballet, did a ton of hiking and incredibly fit. I had one heart surgery at 9 years old and was healthy otherwise. At 24 I was in university going to school to become a Registered Nurse and was in the best shape of my life. I had always taken care of my body, ate incredibly healthy, but heart disease doesn’t discriminate, so I’ve learned over the years. At 24 while in university, I had a thoracic aortic aneurysm dissect and rupture at the root and went into severe heart failure, which subsequently blew apart my aortic valve and created a large ASD. I was air lifted out as I live in a smaller city that has limited resources and sent for emergency open heart surgery. It came out of nowhere (I did have congenital anomalies that were being monitored but had all been deemed very stable for quite sometime), earlier that day I was in class taking notes, by that evening I was being airlifted out for open heart surgery. Heart disease is an emotional rollercoaster, it truly is, but it doesn’t define who you are. I am a firm believer of that. I am now 42, I went back and finished my degree after open heart surgery and became a Registered Nurse. Support systems are crucial, specifically support from those who can relate, as it can feel very overwhelming, especially in the beginning. This all must be such a shock for you both given it’s all so new. I completely understand how challenging it is finding supports that are near your same age group given how young you both are. I personally found that very isolating myself. I would be happy to stay in touch if you ever want to chat. I’m so sorry you are both going through this, it does get better. Know that all the emotions you go through are normal and okay. Wishing you two all the best! Aynsley
Welcome to the "Hearties Club", all are welcome! I think that there are many young people out there in similar age group but they are not communicating.
Meanwhile you will be pleased to know that there is much on utube covering all aspects pre and post operations. Generally these videos are produced by doctors/professionals on all topics.
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