I was feeling totally fit and healthy . Then on the 19th1 May 2024, I had a sudden cardiac arrest. I remember nothing of the event.eeventevent. My fiance gave me CPR.CPR.and I was rushed to hospital. Stent fitted and an induced coma for 3 weeks in ICU. 3 weeks in Cardiac ward followed and a further 4 wks in my community hospital.
cardiac arrest 7 months ago. - British Heart Fou...
cardiac arrest 7 months ago.
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Di1966
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Hello 
Sorry to read what you have been through thank goodness for your fiancée what a good job they did
Maybe it is better that you do not remember to much about the event but how are you feeling now ?
It will take time maybe to get back to full fitness but you have that stent which will have opened up the artery so the blood will be flowing nicely around your heart as well as no doubt been on the usual cocktail of medications all helping to protect your heart and sounds like you were well looked after till they were sure you could continue your recovery at home
I hope mentally as well as physically you are doing alright and even though this is somewhere none of us wanted to join I am sure the more you talk with members the support will help you so much x
Thank you so much. Yes I had excellent care from the medical team and they are still doing so..I am slowly getting back to normal. It was a total shock when it happened. Take good care of yourself.
Hello
So many on here who have heart attacks or cardiac arrests or other heart conditions have posted they thought they were fit and healthy it comes as such a shock then when these things happen and shows we never know what is going of in our bodies but we try and look at it as we are the lucky ones that get caught in time
I am so pleased you are slowly getting back to normal it will take time but slowly you will get there and as your post gets seen you will get replies that will show you are not on your own and how others now our living their life to the full and eventually that will be you x
Thanks so much for your words of encouragement, BeKind28. As I am in my late 50s, I don't know anyone who has been through a cardiac arrest, and heart attack. I do feel isolated in all this sometimes. My family and friends have been fantastic in supporting me both practically. However , obviously, they haven't been through physically.
Hello
When I was 58 I had my first heart attack followed by 2 more within months which resulted in a triple Bypass and yes family have been good and still are in trying to support me but the mental side of it unless I come on here no one can possibly understand how it leaves some of us really struggling to deal with they seem to have Rehab to help with the physical part after these events but to get support for the mental side after seems there is none to have which I think would really help so many of us if it were there like Rehab is
We have young members in their early 20's who have had cardiac arrests as well as more mature members so you are not alone and now you have found this Community I hope you don't feel as isolated and will come and talk because it really does help and a relief to know you are not on your own x
Hello and thank you 😊. Everyone is so supportive and lovely on here. Yes it can happen to people of any age. I definitely sounds like you have a very difficult time. I have been diagnosed with ptsd and was told to talk works. I have a face to face appointment with them in January. Maybe they might be useful for you?. I don't know what to expect but apparently they are a councilcounciling service. Heart problems can be very scary and worrying. It also knocks your confidence. It is good to be able to talk to people who are experiencing similar problems on he.
Hello
The year before I had my heart attacks I had double pneumonia which resulted in been rushed into ressuitation and then ICU that left me with PTSD and then the heart attacks started a year later added more to my PTSD but I already and still do suffer with chronic anxiety so it has not mixed together very well at all and yes it does knock your confidence and I think a good way to try and deal with that is to accept how you feel , accept this is normal and ok but remembering with help and support and time it will get better
I have not heard of talk works I wonder if different areas have different organizations but will look that up and see if we have it here but that is something for you to focus on and I have tried so many things over the years that have not helped me but has helped others but I always say you have nothing to lose by giving it a try and everything to gain if it helps and I really hope it will help you
Yes there are a lot of caring understanding members on here so you have found somewhere you can come and talk x
Good to see you back online 😊
I too was diagnosed with heart failure DCM which took me by shock especially as ive been swimming every week, cycling 5 times a week and hiking the moors and mountains as often as possible, shortly after I was diagnosed I had unrelated seizure and woke up 3 days later then I did a daft thing and consulted google and went into depression because I stupidity believed my life was finished it took 12 months with an NHS psychiatrist which really helped she was fully supportive and kind, but it's still in the back of my mind with the cobwebs but not so it ruins my life.
Hi Di19662years ago I had a heart attack after I collapsed on my bedroom floor,like you very fit and healthy.The paramedics came decided to take me to be checked out at hospital,I had cardiac arrest in the ambulance,so like you one of few that survive,but lucky all the same,2stents fitted, Cardiologist said been fit helped alot during recovery,I took offer of a physio for 6wks to help build strength of my heart.
I was informed I had had a STEMI, commonly known as the widow maker,2yrs on and fit again,but tablets for life.Stay positive your a survivor 😁
HI Lookintomyeyes. I too had a STEMI with one stent fitted. I was not aware of anything until I woke up from my enduced coma 18 daylater. It is a massive shock when this happens to us. So glad that now, 2 years on you are fit again. Best of luck for the future.
Me, 2stents,why were you comotosed?Yes,it,s encouraging to hear from folk,who have survived and are well,I just hate the meds,but don't stress about it.Good luck your recovery .Have a healthy New Year
That's it though things like heart attacks don't care who they strike down do they and don't care who is fit and healthy or not!
Hello
Very true x
Oh BeKind28, it is so very lovely to see you back on here with your care/çompassion, knowledge & experience. You will never know how much your presence helped me last year! X
Hello
Thank you
I hope you are keeping well and had a lovely Christmas x
Yes to both thankfully. I've slowed down a good bit but I needed to. I still pop into this forum regularly but don't often feel that I have something to contribute.Certainly couldn't begin to match any of your responses where you seem to have a knack of making others feel better. We all have so much to learn from you.
I hope you too are well. X
Hello
You have done well learning to slow down because you know it was needed as it can be so hard to do when you are used to been on the go all the time
Of course you have something to contribute every single one of is on here does we all contribute in different ways but every way helps someone so please don't think that way
If what we say just helps one person that is one person feeling a little bit better
I wished I could learn to make myself feel better that is what I really lack in It is my Birthday today and all I can think is goodness that is another year older and sat feeling a little depressed about it
But come on honestly everyone of is is needed on here including you to x
Happy Birthday.But I know what you mean about feeling just another year older.
The older I get, the lonelier I begin to feel - almost redundant in a way.
Thank you for responding, and I will try to feel a little more relevant and respond in some way, even if it is just an acknowledgement of how someone is feeling. X
Hello
I relate to feeling lonelier but you are not redundant
There are many wise people on here that I could not give details into things like they can but sometimes someone just wants to know someone is listening to them so an acknowledgement goes a long way and helps others know they are not alone and I am sure will be appreciated x
Happy Birthday BeKind. You’re as old as you feel. I’m 73 and I’m a recycled teenager.!!! 🤣🤣
Hello
Thank You
Wished I felt like a recycled teenager 
Hope you are having a lovely day x
I’m having a catch-up day today,. Loads of washing and cleaning and I have just been supermarket shopping. We’ve had some lovely family parties over the last 3 days, so have had a busy Xmas. Hope you’re having a lovely birthday.
Hello
You have been really busy today and really pleased even though again it was a busy time you have had a lovely Christmas with family
Lovely thanks. Hope you enjoyed your Xmas
x
I am 67 yrs. Had mild to moderate hypertension- on drugs.I tried to swim really fast and my heart gave way in the pool. Until then I thought I was in perfect condition.
This was 5 months ago. It has been life altering in every way.
Hello
Not sure if your reply was for me or the poster but I am sure reading these replies will make them know they are not alone
That must have been such a shock for you and sorry to hear how life changing things seem now but with time I really hope that will improve for you x
Hi, I know how you feel. I had HA in July.It’s so hard trying to accept and adjust to what has happened to you. Like you it was a complete shock, I was fit and healthy and had no indication anything was wrong. I didn’t even know I was having a HA, the symptoms were nothing like you would expect. I ended up in A/E and had CPR and defibrillator.
I hope you’ve had the chance to go on cardio rehab classes they are very good and that’s where you will really start your recovery process. It will give you the confidence and strength to start to rebuild your health and you can be with people who know what you’re going through.
I’m improving but still have a fair way to go and take it easy when I need to. I’m also accepting that I may not get back to where I was before. But I intend to be the best version of the new me and am now doing stage 4 cardio rehab at the local gym.
We are all here to support each other, lots of great advice and information helps takes the worry away.
Wishing you good luck in your recovery 💐
Strawwedrain thank you for replying. I am glad that you are slowly recovering. I am due to start cardiac rehabilitation the middle of January. Yes it certainly is a shock when this happens. I have been told I have heart failure and given a new tablet to add to my cocktail of current ones. Like you, I am determined to get back to as normal life as possible. Good luck with your recovery.
I had an out of hospital cardiac arrest in 2015, don't remember a thing other than waking up out of an induced coma for 24 hours. I went on a health crazy diet for 12 months which helped me hugely in recovery. I am ate raw foods, which included fish, breast chicken, brown rice, brown pasta, no pasta sauces only tomato or chopped tomatoe cans, all veges, I had a lot of soups with no salt or cream, oat bran and almond milk (no ready food cakes or meals, any packaged ready). I lost 12kgs and felt incredibly fit, after 6 months I started running and cycling and haven't looked back, while body seemed cleansed of crap) I didn't drink any alcohol for a year either. Cardiologist said my recovery was proof that if exercise and diet is followed carefully after an event like this full recovery and future years will be better. Start now! It's a huge shock to your family and to me. I was fitted a stent in the LAD. I am very cautious what I eat now. Though I do pig out every so often. Good luck and take care.
Hello 👋. I totally agree with you. My father had his first heat attack aged 52 and second aged 56. That was in 1987 and 1991. Things were very different back then. He was discharged with Warfarin the first time and soluble aspirin the second time. I have been prescribed lots of medmedication. Medication is much more advanced now thankfully. I am hoping to get back to as near normal as possible. Thanks for replying and best of luck 👍.
G’day Di1966,
I have news for you. Good news.
At 8.30 am on 7 June 2015, I suffered what is colloquially referred to as a ‘Widow Maker’, (left anterior descending (LAD) 100% occlusion). The consensus seems to be that only 12% of people that endure such cardiac arrests survive.
Like you, I do not recall experiencing any symptoms beforehand, or at least that’s what I thought. I did feel like I had reflux immediately beforehand and asked my partner to go to the nearest pharmacy for some kind of remedy. The pharmacy was closed and would not open for another half an hour. Rather than have coffee at the café next door, she returned and discovered me suffering anoxia on the bathroom floor. Fortunately my partner is a nurse, ironically a qualified CPR Instructor! Shortly afterwards I was in a clinical catheter lab at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. A stent was inserted and I left hospital 4.5 days later.
Here’s the good news. Since then I have had NO cardiac issues at all. My Cardiologist has told me that unless I want to fund his retirement he does not need to see me. Please don’t assume that your experience is a measure of life from here on. A stent can be the one and only intervention you need.
At 8.30 am on 7 June 2025, I will have enjoyed 10 more years of life. I am now 60 years old. Send me a message on 7 June 2035 and we can celebrate another 10 years together.
Bill
I really feel for you , same thing happened to my dad . Your luck your fiancé was there . I hope your feeling well now
Hi My ca was at 2pm on a Monday afternoon and I don't remember anything from the previous Friday. I spent 2weeks in Icu, the first week in an induced coma. Followed by a week in a high dependency ward and then home but with an ICD
I couldn't speak write or walk but fortunately it all came back
From September to December regular exercise which was s struggle and then February I played my first round of golf
It all takes time. Good luck but listen to your body
Like you and Kruger dog I had a cardiac arrest with no prior symptoms years ago in 2015. They found a completely blocked LAD which was stented immediately and I spent a few days in the hospital.
A few weeks later I attended cardiac rehab which was very reassuring. Six weeks later I went on holiday to India.
Since then, apart from continuing to take low dose aspirin and statin, I am fine and lead a normal life with lots of traveling and other activities. I have annual blood tests and have not seen a cardiologist since then.
I am now 75 and feel good for my age.
Hi there
My husband had a cardiac arrest just after he walked into A&E. I was parking the car !
They got him back after 13 minutes and 4 shocks but I was still told to get my family as it was not good. They couldn’t get a stent in at that hospital so stabilised him and blue lighted him to harefield heart hospital which luckily is only about half an hour away. There they got a stent in after 24 hours in the induced coma and woke him up the following day.
Like you he remembers nothing from the day before as they believe he was having the heart attack for a couple of days before the arrest. He was 56 at the time and fit and well.
He was home within a week and has had no problems since and is not even under a cardiologist since he completed his rehab.
It will be 3 years on 30th January !!
He has also had ptsd and anxiety though as have the rest of the family as the shock was incredible but he has had counselling and it has helped him a lot. He did have emdr which is specifically for ptsd as he was suffering bad claustrophobia which they think was from the induced coma as he was trying to wake up whilst he was in it.
Like everyone on here it is all very positive so keep going and you will be back on your feet in no time , albeit with a new cocktail of drugs !
Take care xx
I add 2 cardiac arrests on the operating table while i was having a heart attack, I thought I add gone to sleep
Sorry to hear about your cardiac arrest. I had one 2 years ago age 42 on holiday in Crete with my family and my husband did CPR. There was no reason given so I was fitted with an ICD with pacing leads.
Make sure you take all that is offered in terms of cardio rehab including counselling as it’s a very traumatic thing to go through even if we don’t remember it.
Take care, B
My son had what he thought was a heart attack, his wife called an ambulance, he says the last thing he remembers is the paramedic telling the driver to step on it. We arrived at the hospital about half an hour later, at 2am. The cardiologist came to see us at 5am to say they spent 20 minutes resuscitating him and were getting him stabilised but didnt know if there was any brain damage.. He was in an induced coma with 24/7 monitoring by 2 nurses. Incredibly he recovered completely, one stent, no brain damage. He was 46 and that was 10 years ago. So many advances in heart treatment over the years that keep our loved ones alive
I’m so sorry for all that you have suffered but this site certainly shows that you are understood by others who have had the same event. You are not alone and in time you will overcome. Maybe your consultant could refer you to a physical health psychologist? Good luck with everything. Xxx
I feel for all of the people that have put posts on here about their heart attacks. I wish you good health in 2025
Hi there , I am so pleased you had recovered from such a life threatening event. You are lucky that your fiancee knew how to do cardio pulmonary ressusciation and did it in the right way. I am curious to know the reason for your coma. Did the clinicians mention the cause of it.
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