I am 40 years old and had a NSTEMI heart attack 3 weeks ago, I do not know how to deal with the anxiety since coming out of hospital, I had 1 stent put in but they did not expect to find my arteries as blocked as what they were and after 2 hours decided to end the angioplasty but want me to have further stents in April, I did not have classic symptoms of a heart attack just had pain in my neck, I do have a family history of heart attacks on my dad side but am so shocked this had happened and just so anxious. Any advice greatly appreciated.
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Lamiza
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Whilst it is undoubtedly distressing for you that you have been found to have significant heart disease at a relatively early age and there may be a genetic link, there are several things going for you. Significantly you have survived a heart attack. Your heart disease has been identified and something is being done about it. You are now no doubt taking medication to reduce your heart health risk, which, if you were not taking it before, puts you in a much better position than before your NSTEMI. Added to which you have the opportunity to improve things yourself to further reduce your heart health risk by adopting lifestyle measures which include diet, exercise , body weight management, smoking and alcohol, and which are covered in the BHF website and elsewhere. And you are still relatively young. So I suggest you look to a position of a glass half full or more, rejoice in the fact that you are actually in a better position than before your NSTEMI, take each day as it comes and make the most of it. And so you may find that you live a long and fulfilling life, which many on here have found after an unexpected discovery about their heart health situation and which has been put into its place by medical care and intervention and also self help, although no-one is guaranteed immunity from the worst, that's just how it is, and that's what us hearties have to accept just like anything else in life.
What an amazing well thought through and correct reply . I am also rejoicing in the fact that this problem has been identified and addressed in me also and trying to feel the glass half full is the way to go !! None of us choose these things but we are the lucky ones as we have a path forward 😊
I am sorry you are having to go through this anxiety.
Good news is that you did not have a major heart attack and have recovered without any damage to the heart muscle . And now you know for sure you have significant heart disease and how to deal with it .
We cannot do anything about our genes but we can handle heart disease reasonably well by optimal medical therapy (what you are sure already on) diet changes and consistent exercise .
You may want to read Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Dr Esselstyn and follow the advice there . It has helped me.
There have been major advances in dealing with heart disease . I feel confident that they will continue to have significant advances as time goes on and you will be able to lead a more or less normal life
hey - take your time. I’m 49 and still struggling with my event that happened 3 months ago. Just remember, you’ve had a heart attack and YOU ARE STILL HERE! That’s brilliant isn’t it.
You’ll have bad days and good days but stay strong and be kind to yourself. The one thing I would say is that is provides clarity about what’s important in life. You are young. Follow the guidelines with a heart healthy lifestyle and embrace every day - even when it’s rubbish!!
snap! I have a family history of heart disease and had an NSTEMI in 2019 which was silent absolutely no pain! One stent was all I needed. Yes it was a complete shock. But I’m here still going strong, taking better care of myself. The NHS saved my life, my cardiac nurse saved my mental health. Cardiac Rehab also saved me. If you haven’t been put in touch with a cardiac nurse please go and find out where to get in touch with them. They can offer you so much support. Grab your second chance with both hands and make the most of it. It does get easier honestly.
Sorry to hear you are feeling anxious. It is normal post HA and stent. Please make sure you talk to someone ie Cardiac rehab or BHF. It will subside but it is the shock and the knowing of what has happened. I have had 2 HA and have 5 stents in the past 2 years. I amvery anxious at times but I know any kind of stress makes it worse. I meditate and do breathing exercises.You take care
Well how unfortunate for you I was born with a dicky heart but took 45 years before I new l think I had a Steam but also valve replacements sometimes else well what ever .you have learnt to live with things IAM no better of for all the ops but Ian still here make the most of your time take everyday has a blessing good or bad best of luck
Hey! For a start you keep bloody calm and stop feeling sorry for yourself.
I’m 78 and had a “widow maker” nearly 7 years ago. Still here to tell the tale!
Do what you’re told by the medics Lamiza and think positively. When you wake up in the morning look in the mirror and smile.
There will be ups and downs but face them with confidence. Life’s an obstacle course and you’ve already jumped the first fence. Keep going and get well soon 😄😄😄
Lamiza is not feeling sorry for herself, she is worried about the future and what to expect from her situation. We can’t all look in the mirror and smile every morning because we just don’t always feel up to it. What we can do is try to be a bit more positive every day. Good luck with the op in April Lamiza and I’m sure you will be fine.
hi Lamiza, i am sorry to hear your story. That must have been so frightening for you. I am coming up on a year since my heart attack. I had no warning signs at all. Just a typical male heart attack witj pain down left arm and crushing weight on my chest. I am a woman and I think that we don’t typically get the same symptoms as men. I had a 90% blockage in my LAD. I think you learn to live with the anxiety. That’s all I can say. It will get better as time goes on. My advice would be to take all the meds that they give you, ask lots of questions and do the cardiac rehab classes when they are offered to you. You are under their care now and you have survived. Sending you very best wishes x
I was 48, one stent at the time (two further stents two years later). After the initial shock wore off I found I was very anxious after mine, I was fortunate that the hospital I was treated at offered counselling which I took and I found it so incredibly helpful. I felt like I didn’t want to burden loved ones and friends with how I was feeling, although in reality I now realise they just wanted to help and didn’t mind. It takes time to come to terms with what’s happened but you’ll get there, just be kind to yourself. Take care x
I think pretty much all of us struggled with anxiety after our heart events. I couldn't sleep without a light on or the radio playing quietly for a few days/weeks after fist coming out of hospital. Like you, I didn't have "classic" symptoms and from what I've learned since many of us don't. I found rehab really helpful in getting me back on my feet. Being with others who had been through and understood what I was experiencing really helped. Rehab also put me onto Talking Therapies, it's free on the NHS but unfortunately not available everywhere. Worth looking into to see if it's on offer where you live. After a "blip" 6 months on from my initial NSTEMI (no stents in my case) and what turned out to have been caused by dehydration during exercise (my BP plummeted) my anxiety soared andI became a bit of a recluse, GP was really good and referred me to MIND and after a second angiogram I went back through rehab at the hospital. Much better now, although the anxiety is still lurking, and I'm back doing phase 4 rehab twice a week at my local cardiac rehab centre. I could do this at a local gym but prefer to go to the rehab centre as it's totally geared towards people in situations like us. We are pushed quite hard and I can have a fitness check with their Dr if I want one. I have to pay but it's similar to a gym membership and I really enjoy it. I'm also really fortunate that just over 2 years from my HA my cardiologist is still "keeping an eye on me" and hasn't formally discharged me.
hi Lamiza. I just want to add my sympathies around the anxiety. I thought a stent was an easy procedure and I'd be back to normal pretty soon. No one warned me about the psychological impact of finding that my coronary artery was blocked when i thought i was in good health. Don't underestimate it! i finally found that i turned a corner once i started Cardio Rehab for which i waited 2 months. I think what made the difference for me was being with others in similar situation, pushing myself a bit with exercising while is a safe place and just being told again that many people have ectopics, even though i knew it. I couldn't believe the difference when it all finally calmed down and i started to get back a sense of myself.
Do take all the advice offered here and know that you are taking good care of yourself, and you will also need to be patient! Sending all good wishes.
Hi Lamiza, I think we all understand how you’re feeling as a heartie person 💔. I personally got on a physical rehab course 4 months post HA. It seems to vary how long it takes depending where you live. I got great advice on mine how not to over-do things and I learned such a lot from the sessions. You are only 3 weeks post HA so your body and mind are still healing. Just don’t lift anything too heavy or over-tax yourself - they even told me no hoovering, but it was a bit late for that after 4 months! 🤣. You have to learn to listen to your body and it is so very scary and frustrating when you don’t know what is too little or too much, but keep moving! As per other posts, you have survived and with patience will only get stronger- both mentally and physically 😁. I now regularly work out and did my first aquafit class this week & loved it, I feel so fortunate to be here. Just stay positive (good luck with your recovery - everyone’s is different) you will get there 💖👍.
The advice in the replies is excellent. For me the anxiety and mental side were a much bigger obstacles than the physical side. It never leaves but you live with it and find ways of suppressing it. As one of the cardiac rehab staff said to me, we are now in a more advantageous position than most people as we know what’s going on with our hearts and are receiving preventative treatment. Embrace your new life, eat, sleep and exercise well. Get outside and breath in the air deeply and appreciate it all. Best of luck
Hi, I’m so sorry you are suffering like this. It is very understandable after such a shock. It can be very traumatising when out of the blue you have a heart incident. Don’t beat yourself up for being anxious it’s a very natural and expected response. It’s time to be understanding and kind to yourself, you have been through a lot. Slowly bit by bit your body and mind will let go of the fear and you will be able to embrace the positivity people are talking about on here. It’s early days yet but you will get there and life will be free from fear again. There is a lot of help on: getselfhelp.co.uk.
The stress & worry is perfectly normal and you will get through it, as others have said the great news is that you survived the event & got the treatment you needed. I had a heart attack back in September 22 and subsequently required a double heart bypass, rest assured the medical expertise from our wonderful NHS will help you through, follow their guidance and advice.
Taking control of your lifestyle is very important after a life event like this, as mentioned in previous replies diet & exercise are very important, since my recovery and changing my lifestyle habits I’m probably fitter & healthier than I have been for many years.
Take care we’re all wish you a safe & happy recovery.
I can't add much to the sound advice and support other people have given here, except to say that I think it's very positive of you to post your anxieties and concerns on this forum. Writing them down in the first place is I think a therapeutic activity in itself and getting informed supportive feedback is the pay off for that.
I am no expert, I had my first heart attack just over a month ago and have since benefitted from the support I've found here, plus the medical treatment-stent and balloon angioplasty I have so far received of course
I wish you all the best for the future but for now I think you can pat yourself on the back for expressing your concerns and getting them off your chest, a good move, well done.
I fully sympathize with your situation. Your anxiety will be overwhelming because you don't see any resolution just now. Have faith in the system, I'm sure the docs are working flat out and will get to the bottom of this very soon!
I had a silent heart attack on 22/5/23. In the 5 weeks following I had two stents, a bypass and a replacement aortic valve. I’ve just finished my 55th parkrun since then. Parkrun is 5k every Saturday.
They had wanted to put a third stent in originally but it was too awkward hence the CABG.
thank you all so much for your replies, I have felt really alone especially as everyone keeps telling me I am really young to have this happens, it makes me feel worse, but your replies have made me feel a lot more positive. Thank you so much.
Hi, as was in the same place as you are now, 3 years ago, also a Nstemi ,needed two stents, the worst thing was the anxiety. Looking back on it now I realised that my anxiety was part of excepting my heart attack,the new meds, and the fact I was , what I thought healthy, Non smoker, non drinker,daily walker. But the answer to my heart disease was in my genes. It's only three weeks since your heart attack so anxiety going to play a part in your healing process. But please try to keep it as low as you can,l can tell you it does get better,it will take time. Three years since my episode and am doing really well.
Firstly your meds, you will struggle with new meds , and it will take time trail and error to get them right. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor or rehab nurse, they're many options when it comes to med, it's important that you take them to keep your heart health right.
Secondly anxiety,this comes to everyone after a heart episode, it's important you try and keep it under control again talk to your doctor or rehab nurse.
I can tell you the outlook is good ,I often think back and wonder what I was worrying so much for.
Simply take your meds, watch your diet, get out for a daily walk, nothing clear the heads as getting out for a good brisk walk.
You will be fine there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel, just relax give yourself time to heal, and six months down the road you will not know yourself.
Stents are a life saver,and with your daily meds you will have many years before.
Consider yourself lucky you where got so early and only needed a stent. I have seen young men in my area simply dying in their beds because they where not got to in time.
Only one thing I would like to address if you don't mind.
Your suggestion of going out a daily walk is lovely, and very healthy, but if you can't walk then this is impossible!!! I know you did not mean anything by your suggestion, but I think it is always good to remember that some of us would love to but cannot. We may have disabilities, or mobility issues that prevent us from walking. Being out in the fresh air is always good, and so is finding sitting exercises to do at home. When I was at cardio rehab, it was stressed that any for of exercise you are able to do was beneficial to heart health. There were many people there with varying kinds of mobility issues, but we all exercised together to get our heart rate up. I think sometimes that people feel a failure if they don't get out and "walk", or "run "Any kind of exercise is good as it releases endorphins.
Sorry,l was just stating what I could do to help me feel better, I didn't in anyway mean to offend, if you cannot walk or have mobility issues I can only apologise.
Same happened to me 6 years ago and I am so grateful it was a mild heart attack- a warning that I needed to change my lifestyle and diet. I really had no idea how bad our diet was because I cook from scratch, don't drink etc. When I started to look seriously at our diet and change it I lost 2 s tone without trying. In my case it was my husband's insistence on pies and fries, cakes and biscuits. I too have a family history of heart problems. My grandfather's 14 siblings all died before they were 50 so my mild heart attack was a blessing as no one had ever asked about family history before and I now have tablets to reduce the build up of cholesterol. The first post by Lowerfield says it all. Yes it's a shock but it could have been so much worse. You're in a far better position now.
I can completely empathise with you. It is a really stressful and anxious time. I had my first heart attack in2021, and a further one in 2022, then 2023. My condition was genetic on my mothers side. I then had a double CABG in 2023. What I have learned is that the things I thought were important just are not!!! Life is important!! I gave up smoking and drinking immediately. I had my gallbladder out 6 months after my bypass and now eat a very different diet as I just cannot eat the stuff I ate before!!! No one wants to be in this "club" but once you are, it is a club with many members from all walks of life, all with their own unique stories to tell. Medicine has advanced greatly over the years, and so I am guessing you will be on aspirin, some kind of beta blocker, and a statin. All of these will go a long way to protecting your heart. The BHF is wonderful for advice, as is CHSS. the nurses there really know their stuff and are very kind. It took me a long time to stop being anxious and to stop worrying in case I was going to have another heart attack. I have learned that no one is invincible, and that life is life!!! I make every day count, and I just feel so blessed to be here. I met a lady recently who had a double CABG 22 years ago!!!! I feel I was meant to meet her!!! She gave me hope. I hope your anxiety gently ebbs away with each passing day, and that very soon you will just live your life without thinking about things too much. There is no doubt that things like this change us forever, and life will never be the same again. It is still life though, just different than before. You take care, and look after yourself.
Hang in there Lamiza! I’m 7 months in from 2 HAs (1 week apart). Like others have mentioned, the emotional side is often worse than the physical. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, be kind to yourself, and take each day as it comes. It gets better - I promise. Much love to you and all those supporting you through xx
Hi. I didn’t have classic signs either — apparently women don’t— I just fainted. So they called an ambulance and the paramedics decided I’d had a heart attack. My coronary arteries were 80% blocked so they decided on stents. One was so blocked they had to drill the calcium out! I think it’s normal to be anxious. I’m rather older than you but still here, still active. I can’t advise, but I’d say accept the other stents , and good luck! Take care.
Leave no stone unturned so that you know why this has happened to you.
Get a full lipid panel taken. Lp(a) and Apolipoprotein B must be included. Maybe you have FH or polygenic hypercholesterolemia. Find out if you can. If you have to spend money to do so then do.
Find out your ejection fraction and if you suffered heart damage during your MI so you know the current state of your heart.
Find out your angiogram results to discover if you had any residual disease present in any other artery.
Then onto what you can do to reduce risk of any further events.
Change diet to a low saturated fat diet.
Exercise. Do not be scared to. It’s so important. Possibly the most important element of recovery . It helps physically and most importantly mentally. As once you understand that you are not permanently handicapped because of this episode and that your heart is designed to work at a high heart rate you will be less worried moving forward in your life. Get moving. Not too suddenly but your goal is to remaining as active as ever before. Also helps BP and general cardiovascular health.
If you suffer with high lipids then take the meds you are prescribed. Dont be scared of statins.
No doubt you will be put on a blood thinner, beta blocker and BP medicine too. If your cardiologist stresses you can stop these after 1 year then definitely do so.
Beta blockers such as bisoprolol are murderous to come off of so always wise to consider this before you start. However if you are instructed you must take it then do so.
Finally live your life. Dont be scared. You know your risk and you can now do something about it.
Trust me ……..the heart attack that you had saved your life. One day you will understand this statement.
Not really offering advice but be very clear that you are not alone. If it isn't clear, there is always someone here to talk to that will be able to directly relate to your experience. The only downside to this group is that you do have to bring your own tea and biscuits!
Even though you are aware of your diagnosis and problems, things will start to calm down over a relatively short time when you realise each day that you are still here. They have done for me and I hope that they do for you.
I had a heart attack on holiday, emergency stent fitted, 4 days in hospital and it on a handful of meds. I was the same as you, anxious, constantly checking my smart watch, heart rate, BP and focusing too much. I found that going for daily walks helped with the body and mind Changing the diet accordingly. It’s 5 months since my HA. Back in work, but only 3 days and I’m living life now without worrying everyday. Joining forums like this can help and the British Heart Foundation is a good source of advice.
If anxiety continues speak to your GP, but if you can manage it without meds the better.
I'm so sincerely sorry to hear about your health problems.
I have health problems of my own and I personally deal with the anxiety by utilizing this motto of mine, "Trust God, Trust the process, Trust my body."
It's not easy I know.
It's hard to trust our bodies when they're the thing that's having the difficulty of course.
When I find myself feeling anxiety and worrying I remind myself that worrying and being anxious isn't going to change a fact but rather the only possible thing it has of doing is making things worse (compromising my immune system perhaps).
I find a way to distract myself and also ways to soothe myself.
Distraction and self-soothing have been immeasurably helpful skills in my life the last 30 years.
I like doing inexpensive, easy and simple things that also can repeat itself like putting bright cheerful pretty nail polish on my toenails.
I can't do it perfectly because it's difficult to reach because of my physical handicap but it doesn't matter.
It distracts me and soothes me both while I am doing it and then later I can look at my toes and wiggle them and they're pretty and distract and soothe myself with my pretty toes just for one example.
I sincerely hope that you can find all the support that you need and deserve during this difficult time to help you get through this health crisis and that you heal thoroughly right quick.
As soon as I read your post it struck a chord with me. I can completely empathise with you. I had an NSTEMI in Sept 2024. I was 53yrs, fit, not overweight etc. One evening I had back pain behind shoulder blade and a bit of a sleepless night, but nothing that made me think there was a heart issue. My wife told me to call 111 in the morning as the pain was still there and before I knew it I was having an angiogram and 2 stents fitted in a narrowing artery that could have presented itself in a few years time as something more serious.
Physically, I felt fine before and after the event but psychologically I really struggled. I felt like I was made of glass and that I was going to have another heart event. I just couldn’t shake it off.
I was assured by my cardiologist that the first 6 weeks or so are tough but that it would get better. My anxiety was such that I couldn't believe this. However, after 6/7 weeks it really did get better and I am sure it will for you too. At the moment you may not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I assure you it is coming.
Now the mental fog has cleared, I see that I’m in a much better position now than I was before the event. I’m on great meds, I’ve improved my diet and fitness and taken up yoga to help with mindfulness and my ability to deal with stress. If I hadn’t had the NSTEMI, I could’ve been a ticking time bomb. I hope in a few weeks time you’ll feel the same
hI Lamiza, I am so pleased that your recent heart attack was diagnosed as Non ST segment elevation myocadial infarction because it shows a not a full thickness muscle damage which is a good thing and a better outlook. As you are so young, you have a long and fulfiiling life in front of you . Perhaps the cardiologist explain fully what it is in less jargon, you will feel reassured. Other commentators have already mentioned what to do for a healthy life style particularrly in terms of a healthy heart. Regards.
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