hello everyone, just created a profile as I feel quite lonely with what have happened to me.
I am 25 and I had a heart attack at 24 last April due a blood disorder (APS) had no symptoms until the night it happened I woke up with horrible pain in arm and since then to get to hospital and all that was a nightmare. I had a small ambulance coming which wasn’t able to drive to hospital so had to wait 1 hour for a taxi and they made me wait in waiting room in emergency which I had the heart attack in and passed out in front of everyone, as they didn’t take me seriously due to my young age.
Since then I’m in constant fear it’s gonna happen again and that I am going to die.
I get a lot of episodes with palpitation and arrhythmia and also fainting since I left the hospital.
And so went back to the hospital at least 8 times since my heart attack with doctors telling me nothing going on. But my palpitations are always gone when being checked at the hospital as I usually have to wait hours before being checked.
This is really a torture for me every single day I feel like something is gonna happen and I keep having nightmares every night I have have some talking therapy and cardiac rehab surely didn’t help.
All my family is in my country and I’m here by myself in the uk.
as anybody felt the same and were you able to cope with the feeling of death or that you’re going to have a heart attack again?
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Anna07111
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Of course.I get so scared & anxious & I'm 73.It's perfectly natural.Have you not got any close friends about to give you a cuddle? Well here's one from me to you.
thank you very much for your reply, unfortunately I wasn’t able to make any friends as I have a lot of social anxiety and it is hard for me to create relationships at the moment… thank you so much ❤️
Need to have a 24hr halter fitted Anna. It wouldbe worth going to a specialist to do this. You will have peace of mind by knowing you have the help. He will get you into the public system.
Thank you very much for your message, doctor told me it could be a good idea but I would like to avoid medication as I already am on a lot of medication for the heart, blood pressure,blood thinners..
Are you as well on lots of of medication but was able to take some anti depressants with no side effects ?
I was actually on the anti-depressants first: escitalopram and lamotrigine (though the second one is pretty specific to the type of depression I have).
My heart meds are warfarin, aspirin, bisoprolol and famotidine.
The lamotrigine gives me low-grade headaches (and did before I was on any heart meds), but I don't have any other side-effects.
I was also on a statin for a week before they decided I didn't need it -- but I don't remember which one it was. FWIW, no side-effects from that either.
Hello, thank you again for your reply I really appreciate!
I am almost on same medication as you for the heart and blood I just have a couple more of them i am on statin as well can give some side effects, I really feel like we already are taking so much medication and that more could be dangerous mixed to all of them.
Especially for anxiety, but if you said you had no bad effects I could eventually try.
Your GP will check your combined list of meds for interactions before making suggestions for anti-depressants. Even after that, your pharmacist will check them again.
I understand your isolation feelings, I’ve had them a lot of my life. Have you tried CBT. It takes a long time to get it from the NHS but I would recommend it and even if you decide don’t want it when you get to the top of the list that’s ok. But better to be on the list than not. I don’t drink and I joined the sober butterfly collective. They have them all over. Lots of WhatsApp conversations for different interests, a monthly coffee morning and other meet ups. It’s helped me to ease into social activities and the people are very kind. This could be worth trying as there’s no pressure or expectations. As for the A&E stuff report it (if you have the time and energy). We used to go to a hospital further away for my dad (ours is genetic) because the local one was so bad. Please msg me if you want to chat, you may feel alone but there are people who care x
Hello thank you for you reply I really appreciate!
I believe I had cbt while I was doing talking therapy as it was face to face but I believe that this of working home about how you feel and get back there to explain how you managed is not helpful I just need someone to listen and to tell me it’ll be alright and get help on how to manage the anxiety, unfortunately they didn’t do this..
I also found out yesterday there is coffee places to talk soi believe I will try as well.
I feel like there is no point reporting it as every time I remind myself the event I get to panic and stress so rather just let it be as I’m still alive they still did a good job in ward for the 2 weeks I was there as I had 0 visit at the hospital.
I’m going to at Goerges hospital which is known to be the best apparently can’t deny they are very good but too long.
Ask your GP for a referral to see a cardiologist..As the cardiologist with run host of tests to find out what is wrong with your heart and be given the correct treatment . Being on your own and so young must be terrifying but you need to see a cardiologist. ASAP.
Hello thank you very much for this reply, I am seeing a cardiologist on the 27th of November. It took 7 month after my heart attack to finally get an appointment but I fear nothing is going to change after that appointment, I had the chance to get a 5 day holster monitor and will see with the cardiologist if anything comes out of it .
The cardiologist won't fob you off. You will no doubt have your BP taken and an ECG before you see him . That's standard practice at most hospitals. When I first saw my cardiologist it was only because my blood test came up with heart failure just means my heart wasn't working correctly. My ECG didn't show anything but he heard the missed heart beats . Ask me if I had ever had an echocardiogram I said no so he said they would do one not expecting to find anything. But they did . So had bubble echocardiogram and the radiographer said we can see the bubbles just not where we expected and did the test 2 more times. Neither the echo or bubble echo hurt even though topless they pull the gown to cover you up one they have the ultrasound in place . Bubble echo you have a port into the back of your hand with 3 caps. They use a syringe one with saline one empty and push the fluid back and forth to form micro bubbles which are then injected into you. If they see bubbles means there is a hole if no bubbles no hole.
As you have had a heart attack and echo with show where it was . You may have to have a MRI . Yes it's scary in the tunnel but it's the best way to get a good look at your heart . When I had mine had ECG first port put into my hand and electrodes on my chest once I lay down they put a large plate on my chest and attached it to the handles . If you have a MRI have small pillow under your head I found 2 put me to close to the ceiling in the tunnel . A wedge is put under your legs to protect your back. I am glad I took my slippers as it's very cold in the room because the machine gives off a lot of heat . You are given a panic button . Headphones but I asked for the ear plugs . You have instructions to follow deep breaths in a hold then they tell you to breath normally . Because I was having dye injected they pull me out and once dye injected said I needed to hold my breath longer but if I couldn't then shallow breaths but I was determined to hold my breath. When they had finished was surprised to find out I was in there for just over 90 mins . Due to my neurological test my limbs have stiffened but they helped me move . Everyone was very kind and said they got really good imagines.
It was raining heavily and it was metal steps . I walk with a stick and have what is called a weird walking gait 🤣. So the radiographer walked backwards down the steps incase I slipped he was soaked through. Felt awful but he said he had dry clothes in the unit.
Before you see the cardiologist write down all your questions. You will be answered. If you get upset as you no doubt be nervous don't worry you will be treated with kindness .
I’m very sorry to heart you’re have heart failure and I know it can be stressful as well…
But I am very glad to hear you had good people taking care of you during those check ups!🙏🏻
I have had the bubble test as well and an MRI too with stress test, I believe they will give me the results when I see the cardiologist, I just hope I will have a good cardiologist who will listen to me and explain clearly as well.
Thanks for the advices will make sure to write down everything that worries me 😊
Hello Anna07111, I am so sorry to read your story and I honestly sympathise with your story. You are so young to have all these health worries and to be away from your family at this time. From the heart attack point of view - unfortunately it has happened. Taking control of preventing another event can help by perhaps focusing on diet and exercise. A nice autumnal walk may help to clear the cobwebs. I’m presuming the medication you have been prescribed is obviously going to help you and act as a preventative for another event and as my cardiac nurse said “you have to learn to trust it” and in time, you will. It’s there to help us but if you feel you have any side effects whatsoever, try and see your GP as they have alternatives they can try you on. So moving forward - you say you have social anxiety - do you work or study here? Have you got a couple of good friends who can support you or perhaps have a hobby where you could try and meet up with similar like minded people? You probably just need time to accept what’s happened to your body. If it’s any consolation I thought I was too young to have a HA at age 56. I’m two years on now and it has taken two years for me to accept it and adapt to a new normal. I still get scared if I feel a twinge and have been to A&E twice in that time but hey who’s counting, if it feels wrong get checked out but you will eventually get to recognise if it’s something that passes (perhaps a bit of wind or anxiety) or whether it lasts and you get checked out - you will get there in time. My cardiologist said “we become more in tune with what’s going on in our chests after an event”
Where are your family? Would it be worth returning to see them temporarily to help and support you whilst you come to terms with what has happened? I’m sure they wouldn’t want you feeling so alone and scared. But just do what you feel is right for you. It’s normal to be scared. Give yourself time and try and get some fresh air - even if it’s just sitting and having a hot drink on a bench taking in the air and people watching for a bit. Write on the forum whenever as there are so many good people on here who will offer advice and update us when you can. Take care - it does get better with time ❤️ 🧚🏼♀️ xxx
hello, thank you for your message and for taking the time to reply I really appreciate.
I should definitely change my life as since my heart attack I have been more sedentary and eat more as well I believe it might be because of anxiety as don’t go out anymore and focus too much on listening to my body.
I’m so sorry you have been through this as well…
I have been back to my family after my heart attack for a month but I love the uk so much that I couldn’t stay back there with my family.
I’d love it to change soon as I believe this stress contribute to more risks of any heart problem but it’s always easy to say but hard to do.
I’m glad I got to be here as you all very helpful and I’m very grateful you did thank you🙏❤️
Well at least you have seen your family and how wonderful that you love the UK so much ❤️. Now you need to try and go out and enjoy it. Even if it’s 10 mins a day, do try and get out. In the house put some music on and have a little dance - don’t forget to warm up first 😃! But you can do this - it’s your body, have a look at the British Heart Foundation recipe pages and try out some new healthy recipes. Small changes turn into big ones. Good luck and keep us up to date with your progress and thank you for your kind words too, sending love to you ❤️🧚🏼♀️
Anna, I too did suffer from anxiety, I do not think that GP medications are the answer for emotional problems. Instead I use Flower essences; Dr Bach 'rescue Remedy' is a good start - Holland & Barrett etc, also found Crystal Herbs (on line) very good, give it a go, amazing good effect. Also try some kind of therapy like Reiki, I have a session once a month and find very helpful. Also some kind of supportive group - I go to Pilates once a week, and the teacher and group are very supportive, or perhaps Yoga (not tried myself), Try checking out local Wholistic Fairs, very supportive environment.
Not medical advice, opinions and suggestions only.
So you had a blood clot which presumably was caught in one of the coronary arteries?
Did they administer a blood clotting drug called Urikonase or something similar?
From the way that you were treated, I mean we are only guessing at this point that it was a small clot and blood flow and oxygenation to the heart was maintained?
I would be contacting the hospital to know what tests were done and to check that there was no loss of heart muscle function, i.e. heart muscle cell death when oxygenation is not maintained, but probably most unlikely based on your explanations.
MPRI test can check if there's any residual loss.
After this you have been placed on an anti coagulation drug?
I would say that you can take a deep breath and relax, a little bit, you are being treated,
and the cardiologist will get to the bottom of the palpitations.
So a lot of assuming going on here, assuming oxygenation was maintained no residual damage, assuming you are on an anti coagulation drug, that takes care of the clots.
so only have to deal with the palpitations, could be anxiety and stress, but the cardiologist will solve it.
So yes if I understood properly I basically had dvt with started in legs then traveled to lungs and then to the heart.
When I arrived at the hospital the blood clot did not fully blocked the flow but because of the waiting time it did and I did have the heart artery completely blocked.
I had an angioplasty as soon as I had the heart attack but the doctor decided not put a stent as I am too young.
I am currently on warfarin and clopidogrel but my INR keep dropping a lot under 2 for no reason since 4 weeks.
And APS can quickly lead to a blood clot, which my body does not seem to alert me if it happens unless I am about to die.
I believe as well all these could be because of anxiety but I somehow still believe I get undiagnosed and something will happen even if I try to think about it and control my mind.
I am trying to make the difference between the two so maybe one day I could control it if I know it’s just anxiety and not life threatening situation.
Thank you so much for you message it actually help me taking a step back on the events.
Not medical advice, opinions and suggestions only.
Angioplasty is used to either inflate the balloon, to break up the clot, or in some institutions they can harness the clot and pull it out.
A stent is typically not used for clots or occlusions of this nature as once its broken up the coronary artery should be clear, stents are used for a build up of CAC, calcified artery calcium. Or there's something else going on, wouldn't have been due to your age.
Doctors tend to use the word fully blocked in different ways, completely fully blocked with no blood supply to the heart , would lead to heart beating cessation, but it also depends on which coronary artery.
Although their initial treatment of your case was poor, by the time the situation was known I think they would have had a full picture and I think you would have been told if their was any further issues with the heart, but you could contact the secretary of the doctor who led your treatment to confirm.
Yes knowing the difference between anxiety and some other issues can be difficult, especially as anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms.
Just to re-iterate breaking it down, the initial medical emergency is now over, you have medications to ensure that it doesn't happen again, and you will get to the palpitation cause with your cardiologist. It will be interesting to see what the cardiologist says.
This is a fine example of how heart attacks can happen to those in their twenties and that nothing is guaranteed to anyone is it?
Back in the December of 2017 I ended up dragging myself into a and e and got diagnosed with blood clots in the lungs and I was 41 at the time but still I was terrified!
When I got discharged I had said to the nurse how I was worried about having another episode and she had reassured me that now I was on treatment I would be fine and I was as long as I took it religiously as prescribed and that I did!
I have been fine on treatment and it's the safest place to be and you have to be extremely unlucky to have another event when you are religious about your treatment!
I am sorry you feel so down but you are not alone with those feelings when I had my first heart attack 4 years ago I kept getting flash backs for ages and even now I get anxieties over the least thing we all understand how you are feeling you must learn to do things that you can do now not what you used to do I do know you can get through this wishing you good luck
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