Heart attack

[Ade912]

It’s now 22wks since my heart attack n 3 stents fitted…. The update …. I completed the cardio rehab program which I thoroughly enjoyed, and meeting people in similar situations… I had a bad flareup of gout which attacked my ankles knees and feet and was bedridden for two weeks in the worst pain I’ve ever felt.. it would seem the buildup of uric acid which may have been caused through the cocktail of medication I’m taking. I’ve been back to work sometime now as I’m self-employed and it keeps my mind focused…. I’m less strict with myself and having naughty treats at the weekends with a few lagers which I look forward to….

How ever my anxiety level since the heart attack n has dramatically increased… and the physical symptoms ofa panic attack are awful… I’m soon to discuss going on anxiety medication with my Dr..can anyone comment? If this is a similar situation your in, has medication helped and is it safe with all the other cocktail of medications your taking ?

[PadThaiNoodles]

I was diagnosed with clinical depression before my heart surgery (a double valve job) and was prescribed an SSRI, which hugely improved my quality of life. I’m still on it some 10 years later (and nearly 14 weeks post surgery).

My sister had her heart surgery much younger (it’s a hereditary connective tissue disorder that we have), and went on an SSRI shortly afterwards (for anxiety). So very similar to your case. She’s also still on it, some 20 years later.

So for some, at least, they work quite well.

[Popepaul]

Beta blockers can reduce the physical manifestations of anxiety. I would avoid using benzodiazapines. They may be helpful in the short term but the are addictive and unhelpful long term. Try yoga,box breathing, meditation and exercise in general. My view is that they all have the potential to bring about a better outcome. Sorry to say it but alcohol can be counter productive.

[Hidden]

Same as PadThaiNoodles I'm on a SSRI long term, mixed in with the heart-related meds with no problems and works for me. If you are on a beta blocker I'm surprised you're getting panic attack symptoms, my heart rate simply won't go high no matter what.