Anxiety

[Dance103]

Thought I was fit and healthy until about 8 weeks ago when I started getting chest pain when I did my running. Turns out I had a blockage in one of my arteries and had a stent fitted. So procedure done but I just feel so anxious and worried about every twinge and pain I get. Does it get better?!

[PadThaiNoodles]

Hang in there; it does get better.

For some it can take a long time, though. I found both CBT and SSRIs to be of great help; others have reported that yoga or meditation worked for them.

Keep courage! You'll get through it.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Have you been offered cardiac rehabilitation?

I suggest you speak to the cardiac rehab team about how you are feeling at the moment.

They can if necessary get in contact with your Cardiologist.

I found cardiac rehab really helpful to build up my confidence about exercising and understanding my angina.

[Dance103 in reply to Milkfairy]

Yes I will hopefully start next week. Thanks for your message it’s good to know that this helped you

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to Dance103]

I finally got my cardiac rehab place, but it doesn’t start till Jan 6. I’ll be 16 weeks post op by then. 🤐

[Redfloyd in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

I've asked but nothing happening yet, good luck with yours.

[Murderfan58]

It's normal to feel that way. You are used to being active and suddenly this happened to you . It's knocked your confidence and added a worry you didn't have before.

My brother before having 2 stents in his heart couldn't walk up stairs without stopping . Within 2 hours of having the stents he said he could have run home .

Your mind and body has had a shock . Give yourself time to heal and come to terms with the fact you are not super human.

You will be running and doing all the things you want to do . The stent has given you a new lease of life . No point in living with what ifs or if onlies.

Take time relax and start gentle exercises a jog and before long running like you used to but this time you don't have to worry about your heart .

I always try and find a positive from a negative . The positive for you is you had the stent fitted and you may be able to run for longer and quicker than before. Just give yourself time . And let us know how you get on . 🏃

[Dance103 in reply to Murderfan58]

Thank you for your reply. It’s really helped me 🙂

[Murderfan58 in reply to Dance103]

Glad my ramble helped 😊

[cimarosa in reply to Murderfan58]

Good post. Thank you and God bless.

[DWizza]

Yes, normal reaction. I had Nstemi heart attack after a yoga class in July 2023. Thought it was trapped wind, really painful . My wife called 111 and they sent an ambulance and paramedics. ECG was fine , paramedics insisted that I should go with them to get a troponin blood test to confirm if I had a heart attack. I was fit and strong … ended up with quadruple bypass surgery . The shock of being told that I’d had a heart attack , the disbelief when I went for angiogram expecting a stent and told stenting wasn’t possible and that id have at least a triple bypass.. I had the heart attack on the 13th July and open heart surgery on 25th July having been moved from Maidstone hospital to St Thomas’ . I cried about 3 times in that period, felt that I’d let everyone down. I’m sure I had a touch of PTSD for over 6 months too. I’ve made a fantastic recovery though and look at it as my rebirth. I’m so glad I the paramedics insisted on that troponin test.

[Toffodog]

I had my second heart attack in May and I had continuous bouts of anxiety and worry because I was told my heart was a lot weaker and worried about all sorts of things. I was invited to cardio rehabilitation which was one day per week over a. 8 week course which included physical activities and various talks on different aspects ie medication, exercise etc and it was best thing I did because over the 8 weeks I started to feel more confident in what I could do and my anxieties was eased by having the cardio team there for support advice and guidance so if you get the chance it will be beneficial to you .

[Survivor1952]

In May/June 23 I had two stents, a single bypass and a replacement aortic valve, I’m 72. Before the surgery I was struggling to walk much more than half a mile.

I now do parkrun most weekends, the first one was exactly three months post operation. I also do a cardiac exercise class weekly which is a HIIT gym session.

I have never been a runner but I enjoy it now and feel it when I do miss the run due to other commitments. I hated sport at school!

[Dance103]

That is so encouraging to hear! Thank you for sharing. I’m really missing all the exercise so hopefully I can get back to it soon

[andy110519]

Hi, I was fairly fit then had a cardiac arrest quickly followed by OHS for a mechanical aortic valve. I was told to think about what I'd had done, tests etc and that the only issue they found was the cause of my cardiac arrest and that had been fixed. I also use the sorted app which I describe as basic meditation.It didn't stop me thinking what if when I was out running solo but I carried on running.

Take care.

Andy

[Col650]

I had heart attack and 2 stents 3years ago. I had a lot of anxiety...as you say every twinge...bordering on full on post traumatic stress. Go cardiac rehab...slowly under guidance increase exercise/gym work. Sometimes it takes longer to mentally heal than physically. Took me a good few months, might take you more...or less...before I regained some self confidence in my health. Whilst I can still get the odd pang of anxietyit soon diminishes. I go gym 5 times a week, long walks etc. Fully enjoying retirement. Take your time, it does get better.

[Caterham80]

There's a lot of stuff out there about 'fit' people having heart attacks. It's more common than you'd imagine when you start to look into it. I was one of them. At least you got some warning of the event. Mine hit me totally out of the blue whilst I was out cycling. Like you, and thousands of others, I felt anxious. That anxiety never fully goes away but will decline over time. I felt angry too. The 'why did it happen to me' thoughts, when I've spent most of my life trying to avoid the risks. They did say that my fitness helped with my survival and fast recovery. Things will get better and you will be back to good health soon.

[Mke41a]

Hi? Have a look at Casualvisitor post 2 days ago, it’s a very summary of his recovery over the last 12 months and is very similar to mine.

I was running ultras and marathons last year and felt some chest pain doing Xmas day Parkrun which ended up with 2 stents on news years eve. I was extremely anxious and fearful for the first 3-4 months and it’s taken me about 9 months to feel anything like normal. I’m running regular parkruns and a few 10k races but have lost quite a bit of endurance fitness. Everyone’s recovery journey is obviously different and with any luck you’ll be back to running before long. I didn’t start my rehab for about 2-3 months post stent which in hindsight was good timing and was really beneficial…. good luck with it all and take it easy.

[Nelson71]

perfectly normal reaction. It does get better but it takes time. It was about 12 months for me. On the positive side the Dr is aware you have had a problem so you’ll be having annual blood tests and you’ll be more closely monitored than someone who hasn’t had a stent. I also made lifestyle changes, more exercise, better food choices and sensible alcohol.

[BelfastTony]

Hi Dance103,

It will get a lot better. Cardiac Rehab is the key and will get your fitness and confidence back. 3 years past 3 stents and never been fitter or happier! Take time over the next couple of weeks amd look forward positively.

Keep informed on your Angina from the Doc, Cardiac nurses, this groupand BHF & NHS sites. Best wishes!

[Dance103 in reply to BelfastTony]

Thank you so much!

[hombrecito]

Cardio rehab at my local sports centre was really helpful and got me active. It was followed up with gym practise and a card that help me motivate myself.

[Glenfiddich]

Hi, I was in a similar situation to yourself, as in it came out of the blue. I was lucky to get sent on a cardiac rehabilitation course after I had a stent put in, which helped. The worry lessens with the passage of time but doesn’t completely disappear. I think what you need to do is build up slowly but stop if you start getting pain.

[Flimflab]

I would agree with the comments you have received particularly about cardiac rehab helping to get my confidence to exercise back.

A few years ago my cardiac artery blockage was also detected by running before I had a heart attack. A couple of stents also improved my times. Although I still have anxiety, I find running with a group makes me less anxious and ParkRun was a good follow on to rehab for me. My local Park Run has also organised CPR training and just funded a defibrillator so I am probably safer there than shopping in Sainsburys.

[Esme2348]

hello, sorry to hear this. Did you go to A n E? Did you get any other symptoms?

Which test showed that you had a blockage, ECG, blood etc?

I’m also a runner, had some chest pain but they did not spot a blockage on any of the tests, so diagnosed me with pericarditis (inflammation around the heart)

I would make sure you have plenty of follow up with the cardiologist and don’t take no for an answer. It helps with my anxiety.

[Dance103 in reply to Esme2348]

Yes I went to A&E and was transferred to another hospital for an Angiogram which is how they detected the blockage and inserted a stent straight away

[SudsSuds]

You could also ask about cognitive behaviour therapy. The rehab team referred me or you could self refer if that's not done in your area.

[Dance103 in reply to SudsSuds]

That’s a great idea. Thank you

[SudsSuds in reply to Dance103]

Glad to have helped a little. I had my stent in July, which was big shock. I was luckier than many and started rehab within a couple of months. During the rehab assessment the nurse suggested CBT. I thought I need all the help I can get right now so agreed. I am now most of the way through that process and should be done by Christmas. That's my story and good luck. I am sure you will feel less worried soon.

[Ziggyfan]

I had 4 stents in September it took 3hours, I was still breathless and had no energy at my 6 week checkup it’s only now that I feel better. Everyone is different but I’m sure you will be able to resume your lifestyle soon.