hi guys I had a heart attack 5 weeks ago and following numerous ecg’s,X ray, echocardiogram and finally an angiogram I was told there weren’t any blockages so no stents needed, and it may have been plaque of just something triggered by the extreme stress I’ve been under.
I’m waiting to have a cardiac MRI to check for any damage, has anyone else had one of these? I’m very nervous as I’m also claustrophobic,
I keep thinking that because I didn’t need any stents etc I am more at risk of another heart attack where as if someone did have stents then their problem has been fixed.
Any advice welcome!
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Cookie1973
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The MRI folks should have periscope glasses for claustrophobic people (so instead of looking directly into the walls of the tube your vision is pointed out the end towards your feet).
Did they put you on a statin to stabilise your plaque?
The statins will at least greatly decrease the odds of broken-off plaque causing a clot and subsequent heart attack in future. They'll also be keeping an eye on other stuff now that you're "on the radar".
This information is widely available - it it now known that statins help to stabilise areas of plaque and reduce the chances of pieces breaking off into the bloodstream, consequently causing blockages in narrower blood vessels
Hmmm... it's not all clear. "Some studies suggest" that this is the case but even this seems questionable as, is it the reduction in cholesterol or the reduction in plaque, the studies seem to suggest that it's either one or the other but it can't be both, else statins are some kind of 'magic bullet'.
yes, I had one similar back in 2008 which, presumably, did not need stents. Infact I was never even told I had suffered a HA and only found out quite recently whilst looking at my GP record on the NHS App. It came as quite a shock. I did have an aortic valve replacement later in 2008 but not had any more HAs since that date.
morning I got told last February that I too had had a heart attack . High Troponin levels on admission and ECG changes. 4 weeks later has an MRI as my vessels were clear on Angiogram .
Very claustrophobic although with breathing techniques and supportive technicians talking the whole way through it was fine .
MRI revealed myocarditis and pericarditis.
Deep breaths they are doing MRI to get some clear pictures as echo is not always that clear.
I’m a big man and not keen on tight spaces. I have had, of recent times, several full spinal MRIs. These take well over an hour. I was a bit apprehensive at first but was quite pleasantly surprised. The tube isn’t that tight, I wasn’t uncomfortable. It’s a bit noisy. My main problem was boredom. I think for most people all the warnings just serve to wind us up and frighten us rather than reassure. It’s a bit like saying don’t worry this won’t hurt and you immediately look to see what dreadful thing is going to hurt.
I had been having prolonged agina attacks and was asked to attend a cardiac MRI scan in May 2024. I like you am quite claustrophobic and was dreading the scan and causing lots of anxiety leading up to the scan. To get me through things I decided I would keep my eyes closed prior to the scan and keep them closed throughout. The radiologist keep you informed what’s happening and how long each part of the scan takes which I found helpful. Halfway through the scan they took me out of the scanner and injected dye into a tube as this dye goes around the arteries etc which will show any blockages damage etc. I was back into the scanner for about 10 mins. I must add that I kept my eye closed all the time I was in the scanner and it worked really well.
From the scan it wax found.i had three vessel disease (TVD) had three stents inserted and put into more medication. I hope my experience helps you with the anxiety, abc hope all goes well
Hi. I am in the same position as you, all tests ok (although still waiting for a second CT scan result that was 6 weeks ago!) but high troponin level confirmed HA. Mine was 8 weeks ago and I am also now waiting for MRI. I don’t mind having the MRI, just want them to find a cause! I too would have felt better if they had found a blockage and put a stent in! The anxiety of not knowing is only just hitting me now as despite being on loads of preventative meds I am still lethargic, getting a lot of pain / feeling of pressure in my chest, plus jaw pain (which I got in the weeks before the HA), plus strangely losing my voice if I do any activity including moderate talking! Can’t get a GP appointment until Feb to discuss and unsure if I’ll get a follow up cardiac appointment as have spoken to consultants secretary who doesn’t think I will unless I need if the MRI shows anything (also told me despite being marked as urgent, MRI could be a 6 month wait!). How are your symptoms now? Have they gone since being on the meds? Try not to worry about the MRI, they are used to people who are claustrophobic and should be able to help you with that when you go.
All the best with your recovery. Nice to know I’m not alone. I feel like we are too young for this, Although also know there are a lot of people a lot worse off! Let me know how you get on!
My discharge notes said follow up in clinic 2/3 weeks after discharge, and follow up with consultant after MRI which is why I phoned the hospital, as I had not had a clinic appointment. Secretary actually laughed and said she had no idea why it said that on my discharge but they have no capacity to see people unless urgent! Hope yours happens, there appear to be a lot of regional differences!
Did you get cardiac rehab? I was told I will get it after my MRI as they won’t take me yet as my results aren’t all back. Hopefully won’t need it by then.
Being ambitious today and off to the theatre with my daughter this afternoon, trying to ‘get back to normal’ as much as I can! Involves a bit of walking and train journey so hoping I’ll manage it and not have a heart attack whilst I’m there! Furthest I’ve walked so far is twice around the block so this is a big step but have had the tickets booked for ages so want to give it a go!
Someone on here told me about the rehab as I didn’t have a clue, I rang the ward I was on and they gave me the number for the cardiac nurses, when I spoke with them they said I should have been referred to them but I hadn’t been so they were glad I rang them !
I have an appointment to see them in a couple of weeks then the rehab classes start after that.
I’m glad your going to the theatre but I understand your worries, I’m the same I go to football with my daughter and I’m so anxious before and during watching the game there is a bit of walking involved aswell
That’s disgusting to treat you like that that secretary shouldn’t be doing the job you should at least get a phone appointment with your cardiologist all we can do is carry on your doing the right thing by going out just take your time and have a lovely time and best wishes to you
Hi Cookie, You will be ok with the MRI as stated below you realistically just look at your feet when inside but it may help to think of the MRI machine as a Polo mint or a doughnut with a hole in it.
If you like the idea of the doughnut just think that you are the jam going inside the doughnut and that you have a wonderful treat at the end such as the delight of of eating said doughnut or the results from the end of the test with the MRI.
Give yourself a treat after the procedure to tell yourself you did well by undertaking it..
I'm waiting for treatment for an ablation. I have been off work for 8 months and have had two heart attacks and numerous SVT attacks per day over this period.
Your case is similar to mine., though I did have a clot removed from a narrowed artery which was stented. The cardiac consultant at my local hospital could not understand why I had had a heart attack as I was fit and regularly walked the hills, was not overweight, drank little alcohol and had never smoked. After blood tests I was found to have a high Homocystene level which increased the risk of clots. This was easily treated by taking Vitamin B / folic acid. It might be worthwhile whether you have been tested for this.
Do try to keep positive. It is better to have the tests done to determine whether any further action needs to be taken.
Hi, I've had 2 MINOCA heart attacks (myocardial infarction with no obstruction of coronary arteries), both caused by vasospasm. With the latest one definitely caused by very high stress. Vasospasm is under diagnosed as a heart attack cause especially for women, and menopause and reduction of oestrogen plays a role in this. My arteries are clear. The MRI is really useful to see if there's any damage to your heart. Breathing techniques helped me and do tell the nurses that you're anxious, am sure this happens a lot.
I was under extreme stress at the time and in the months leading up to the HA as I lost my husband in June and I was in a meeting with my employers which became very heated and very emotional when the HA happened
Hi, well worth doing some research on this as much previous understanding of heart attack causation was based on male physiology. The impact of extreme stress affects the autonomic nervous system, and my understanding is that oestrogen plays a role in relaxing the artery walls.
I am glad someone else mentioned Myocardial Infarction non obstructive coronary arteries, MINOCAs.
These types of heart attacks are more common in women.
The possible causes are a spontaneous coronary artery dissection SCAD, microvascular dysfunction, coronary vasospasms, a small piece of plaque breaking off or a blood clot blocking a coronary artery.
The umbrella term for Microvascular dysfunction / microvascular angina and coronary vasospasms/ vasospastic angina is Angina/ ischaemia non obstructive coronary arteries.
I was diagnosed with vasospastic angina over 10 years ago following a functional angiogram, using acetylcholine.
I had been admitted to hospital with a suspected heart attack. However, incorrectly told I couldn't have had a heart attack or angina because my coronary arteries are unobstructed.
Interestingly my Cardiologist sent to a Menopause specialist as I am prescribed HRT off label ( I didn't have any troublesome menopausal symptoms) to see it improves my severe episodes of coronary vasospasms.
I haven't noticed any difference.
You can find some more information about MINOCAs, microvascular and vasospastic angina on this website, which is listed in the BHF's 'Understanding Angina ' booklet.
I feel very fortunate to have a quick and intensive set of tests after a silent HA. First tests found 2 blocked arteries and they wanted a fuller picture, so a MRI followed.I was very nervous and didn't like being in an enclosed noisy space, it was one of the hardest experiences I have gone through. My view was the tube around me. Every few mins an instruction was given to breathe in or out or hold my breath. It lasted about 50mins.
Being honest I had 2 contrasting thoughts screaming in my head. One was to get out of there and the other was you need this done to get well enough to be about for my daughters wedding. I stayed in.
The good news is that they found a clot in my heart that has been treated and I did walk my daughter down the aisle.
Focus on the outcome and a positive future and fears can be overcome.
I googled adenosine which is what they give you to raise your heart rate, this was a bad idea as I got all worked up about it.
On the day I got prepared and very nervously went in.
Ive never had an MRI and the machine did make me feel a bit claustrophobic but the loud noises it makes keep you occupied.
My heart was racing now and I said you have put the drug in I can feel it!!!
The doctor came on the headphones (which I was wearing) and said no we haven't. He then stopped the machine and pulled me out to give me a talking to. He said me panicking was putting my heart rate too high to start with so they would have to stop if I didn't calm down.
So I pulled my big boy socks on and went back in and finished the job.
I realised afterwards that I had made it a lot worse than it actually was and mr google hadn't helped at all.
Apparently the drug only raises your heart rate by about 10% so not panicking would have been a great help.
I hope it all goes ok for you and hope I might have helped you a little ☺️
I'm having one of these with Adenosine tomorrow at 7:30am which is like the middle of the night to me. Did the adenosine cause any angina? That is all I am worried about to be honest, because I am used to being able to control angina pain by stopping whatever activity causes it, but when a drug is given by someone else you have no control over it.
I suffer from Claustrophobia to the point where even a hug from someone can be very stressful. I can't even wear multiple layers of clothing in the cold weather. Shirt and jacket or shirt and cardigan (not a pullover) are my limit.
Consequently, whenever I have any medical procedure, from dentistry to an operation, I tell the people concerned that I won't be able to have my eyes open and I'll be in a "happy" place. If they want me to hear anything they'll have to shout as I'll probably have a dialogue in my head between characters in a story I'm thinking about, or I'll be imagining I'm telling a story to a group of people.
I had a similar experience almost 2 years ago. Collapsed in the supermarket and advised on admission to A&E that I’d had a heart attack as my troponin levels were so high, although eye witness at the time said I was having a seizure. (I’ve since been advised that I’d probably had both a cardiac episode as well as the seizure at the same time, but it’s uncertain which was primary and which was secondary)
After being admitted to the cardiac ward I had a CT scan and angiogram and advised that there was no blockage. I was put on statins and beta blockers and discharged, being advised that I’d had probably had a Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (commonly known as Broken Heart syndrome) probably brought on by the amount of stress I was under at the time. I then had my heart MRI about 8 weeks later and it was discovered that I have a myocardial bridging - where part of the artery dips into the heart muscle instead of sitting on top. I’ve been put on aspirin to keep the blood thinner so it flows through the constricted area slightly easier. It seems this is a condition that people are born with and often goes undiagnosed.
Like yourself I wasn’t looking forward to the time I was going to have to spend in the MRI machine but the technician was wonderful and explained everything and whilst I was in there I kept my eyes shut and focused on the instructions. In the end I found the rhythmic sound of the scanner quite soothing - so much so I’m sure I’d have drifted off to sleep had I not had to concentrate on the instructions for my breathing!
I can't help with the MRI issue as I actually enjoy the busyness of an enclosed space
But I wonder if you medics are considering an alternative diagnosis as ther was not obvious blockage or plaque? Takotsubo, microvascular spasm or other types of ANOCA (Angina with NonObstructive Coronary Arteries) are also possible causes of heart-attack-type symptoms, as suggested by other responses, particularly as you are a woman.
These need different treatment and the recovery process is different.
Hi Cookie I hope you are keeping well. I'm very claustrophobic and was sent for a MRI. Everyone was so kind and made me feel comfortable and relaxed. Unfortunately as soon as the table entered the tunnel I had a massive panic attack. The staff all run in and again were very kind and supportive. As soon as I was feeling better they offered me a sedative so they could try again. I declined. I was advised by the team to never have an MRI scan again. To this day I feel guilty for wasting everyone's time, wasting the NHS money and preventing someone else this appointment. In the end I had a endovascular procedure. I don't want to worry or frighten you but that was my experience. 🤗
HiI'm afraid you can have another heart attack whether you have been stented or not!! Heart attacks can happen at any time for all sorts of reasons. Sorry!!! Best to have all the tests a drake the medication given, as that will help. Good luck and take care
I haven’t had a cardiac MRI but have had a number of extended MRIs over recent years for spinal issues. In case it’s useful, what I’ve found very helpful is a mindfulness technique where, with eyes closed, you imagine a favourite walk which you know very well and do the walk mentally step by step, noting and observing all the small details as you go. You can slow it down orvextend it as required. Just stay focused on the walk, step by step.
The MRI is not as bad as you think normally, I am not a fan of closed spaces but I think you will be fine. Talking from experience here BTW, not just off the top of my head.
If you explain your anxiety you will probably be given sedation. I've had to be pulled out of two MRIs because I panicked but the last one with sedation was ok.
Hi Cookie I was diagnosed with a type 2 myocardial infarction (heart attack). It was caused by heart arrhythmia. I did not need any stents. I'm sure once you've had your scan they'll have a diagnosis.
Had a Cardiac MRI in August. You are closed in unfortunately but they give you a set of Headphones and play music to take your mind off it. Concentrate on the music and sing along to it. Certainly helped me. Took about 40 minutes. The noise can be a bit off putting, hence the music. The MRI completely debunked my original diagnosis of NSTEMI. I never had a heart attack the previous Sept in the first place.
Hi there, I am so sorry you had a scare but what I relief to kinow that all the tests are normal. I know some patients do not like the MRI scan because they were like a closed tunnel but I can assure that the modern ones are more open and generally patients do not feel claustrophoebic . Hope this small piece of advice helps. Regards.
Hello there, I too don't like confined spaces. But I knew this scan was crucial. I told them how I felt. They cave a minute to get myself ready and suggest I wear eye cover. This may be an option for you. You will be in there for a while as scan is very extensive. Please take care, you got this .
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