So here I am two weeks after being told I'd had a heart attack. I'm now home but feel so under prepared for it. Every single twinge is sending my imagination into overdrive 'is it another one's?.. I had no real symptoms.. a bit heart burny, a lot of wrist and elbow bow pain and intense jaw pressure (for want of a better way of describing it).. something must have alarmed hubby cos he called an ambulance ... No one seemed to bothered either in the ambulance or hospital but after 5 hrs and very little monitoring hubby asked what was happening, a repeat blood test and suddenly I was in resus being monitored as all my bloods showed heart attack. I spent nearly a week in hospital but was sent home after an angiogram showed nothing untoward - no stents or surgery needed. I'm told that this is great news. But now I'm home. I've been referred to cardio rehab (no idea how long this will take??) but other than that I've had no real advice - not even when to return to work or normal family routines. I'm getting a lot of palpitations and general uncomfortableness in my chest area and I just don't know if this is normal or not. I'm taking a while koad of new meds and don't really even know what they are or what they are for. I'm just so scared. Apologies for the long post... Thank you for reading xxx
Scared 😳: So here I am two weeks after... - British Heart Fou...
Scared 😳
Hi, There are many Hearties on here who were just where you were when they had their heart attacks, including me (I'm 10 weeks on). It's a very supportive group. From my experience, the first few weeks were really hard as I was discharged and told my GP and the Cardiac Nurse would call to discuss rehab, but that didn't happen until the 4 week point, and I/my wife and I felt really alone and unsure about what was normal or not. This is where this group can be of great support. Also, go to the British Heart Foundation website and call the BHF Cardiac Nurses, they can be a great source of help and advice. The website has lots of good information on there, too.
I'm on a whole host of medication - given a big bag when I left hospital without much of an explanation. My surgeries Practice Nurse explained it all to me, plus the Cardiac Rehab often offer additional sessions, including one of medication - they are worth going to, especially if you'd like to ask questions.
Thank you so much for your reassuring words. I really appreciate the time you have taken and will certainly be looking at the BHF and other things you've mentioned. 🙏🏻🫶🏻🙏🏻🫶🏻
Do you have your discharge notes ? It should explain the what, why and how to your situation. What the problem is , why and how it is to be treated . The medics in the ambulance and hospital treated you accordingly, your ECG showed that your heart was fine and then you had troponin test that confirmed your heart attack. What were your troponin scores ? The doctors would’ve told you and it will be on your notes. You will need your notes to confirm and back up any life insurance claims that you might need to make . The notes should also have contact details for the various departments involved including rehab . I do hope you have this information. I base it on my experience of having nstemi heart attack , identified by two blood (tropinin) tests. My first came back at 74 and the second 402 and confirmed my heart attack. If the paramedics that attended to me at home hadn’t been insistent that I should go in for the tests I’d never have known. They did ECG at home and said everything is fine with your heart, whatever has happened has passed but we would like you come in for the test. I was in hospital from 1pm and sat in a corridor for most of it until the test results came back at 23:30! I ended up with angiogram, no stents and transferred to another hospital for quadruple bypass. Wishing you well on your rehab 👊🏻❤️
Hiya - thank you for taking the time to reply... My troponin levels went from 30 to 414 over the A & E waiting ... I had a little scare night before last and was checked out in hosp and levels went down even further whilst there (22 to 19)
My discharge notes are very limited in information but as suggested above, I'm going to speak to my GP tomorrow as well as one of BHF nurses.
I guess it's just a scary time all round but I have to admit I have taken a lot of reassurance from the responses here... I was kind of feeling like I should be 'over it' by now but 2 weeks isn't time to get used to a new pair of shoes let alone a new way of life.
Thanks again for replying and I wish you well ❤️🩹🥰
I am certain I had (have) a touch of PTSD post event and surgery. The mental aspects take longer than the scars to heal. You are not alone in your feelings 👊🏻❤️
Hi - most of us can empathise with your experience. When I had my NSTEMI two years ago I wasn't in any great pain, just felt a bit unwell. Wife made me call 111 and whilst talking with them they dispatched an ambulance which turned up really quickly. Did ECG, BP, Oxygen readings etc. Didn't seem overly concerned but decided I should be taken in to "be on the safe side". Walked to the ambulance and with the hospital a short drive away the longest initial part was having to wait in the ambulance as A&E was busy. In the end they set up a "Halo" area, which was basically a waiting area manned by ambulance staff, and then walked round to A&E after a bit of a wait. Initial handover done, bloods etc, and then sat in A&E for hours. I was bored rigid and threatening to go home so my wife went and asked what was happening. This was after about 4-5 hrs in A&E and around 6 hrs from when ambulance arrived. After checking my notes on the computer she was told that my blood test "wasn't right". At that point I was wheeled into a room, a second blood test taken and Echocardiogram carried out whilst the Dr casually announced that I was having an ongoing heart attack! He may need to work on his bedside manner :-). I was then wheeled into the trolley RAT bay for my Clopidogrel "bomb" and heparin injection and then for what turned out to be a long and sleepless night waiting for someone from the cardiac team to come down. I was allowed to walk to the loo, "just disconnect the monitor if you need to", and wasn't in any pain at all. Wasn't overly concerned as I took the line that they'd be fussing more if it was "serious". Couldn't sleep because I got the noisy demanding patient in the bay opposite ( I had some very unsympathetic thoughts during the night). I was eventually taken to CCU around 6:30 am and after settling down I was told I'd be left alone to get some rest. I got a few minutes before the lights all went on, breakfast turned up and the nurses and Drs started their rounds :-).
What is it with hospitals, as soon as you nod off they wake you up! Anyway I had my angiogram later that day. Turns out I had some blockages in minor arteries (thankfully my main ones were clear) but they decided not to stent but treat with medication.
When I got home I found it really difficult. Had to sleep with a light and the radio on and became very chest aware (something I suspect many of us experience) and even had a couple of trips to hospital
Hopefully you'll be offered rehab classes. Whilst the exercise start off quite light they did, in my case, increase the intensity and wouldn't discharge/graduate me from that until they felt I was ready. We also had a very useful session as part of it to cover what causes HAs, diet, meds etc. Being with others who had been through similar and had the same fears was really helpful and the nurses and physios were brilliant.
Sorry for the long post - all the best for your recovery.
Thank you for taking the time to reply xx so very much appreciated 😊
you are very welcome. I was scared when I first came out of hospital and I found the help and support on here invaluable. It's good to be amongst those who understand what you are going through.
Hi I totally get how you are feeling 3 years ago I suffered a HA, long story short woke in the night thought I had indigestion took some gaviscon and it just wouldn’t pass
Thankfully hubby put the light on and said my face had gone a really funny colour after a call to 111 and ambulance came and I was having a HA blue lighted to hospital and straight to resuss tried to fit stent but they couldn’t so straight to theatre for a bypass this was a scary time to say the least I was 59 and so so scared keep talking to the health professionals ask them what is next.
I went on to cardio rehab exercises, and have had any funny turns checked out if you think something is not right go get it checked.
I wish you all the best in your recovery, keep talking we all get scared and coming on here and sharing really does help
🙂
Sorry about. Cardiac rehab lasts about 8 weeks. But i think you need to know why you had the heart attack in the first place. I presume your results and their decision were sent to your gp. So go an see your gp with all the questions written down. If you are not satisfied ask to be referred to a see a cardiologist. If you are not happy speak to pal at the hospital like some people suggest on this site.Yes, it is very scary and feeling anxious is normal.
Why can’t the NHS a learn that communication is of paramount importance and clarity can be of more value than s van load of pills! Time and time again ..I see “no one told me anything” about what happened ..test results..future plans..options and many other aspects that concern patients!
Here, here!! - it is hopeless. Communication is a basic part of the job of a medic.
With respect to the health service their communication is absolutely rubbish and extremely infuriating!
I do find it so frustrating that medics do not communicate properly with patients. Of course you are worried - you have been told that you have had a heart attack, but nothing untoward found at angiogram, and then just sent home with a pile of drugs with no idea what they are, what they are doing to you or what you might expect in the way of side effects. And no idea what you can and cannot safely do - and how to avoid a recurrence.
That is poor practice.
I have found it very hard to deal with as, not only was I given no clear information, but I have had conflicting information from different health professionals and doctors. Some say I had had a heart attack, another not - it is that basic! In fact I think I had an NSTEMI, which is a heart attack that does not leave the heart muscle damaged - but my R coronary artery was 94% blocked in one place (gulp!) and needed a stent.
I also have AF and my treatment for this has been completely confusing. I have seen 5 consultants in total over the last year, both as inpatient and in outpatients - some just say oh take more beta blocker as a knee jerk reaction when I am trying to tell them how very ill they have made me and normal life is impossible on them; others tinker around with drugs on the assumption that I get angina - which I do not. They are not listening!!! Two openly disagree about the way forward - one saying ablation, another pacemaker. I do not know whether I am coming or going.
Add in that there are no cardiac specialist nurses to whom one can turn for help and a useless GP practice and I am thoroughly confused!
Are you able to access online your notes at your GP practice? I would do that and print them out - go through them with a fine toothcomb and make a list of the questions you need answered, especially information about the drugs you are taking and what you should be doing to stay well, what it is safe for you to be doing at this stage. Make an appointment with the GP and ask to go through these questions or to be re-referred to cardiology if he/she cannot answer them.
Take heart from the fact that your angiogram was OK. I wish you lots of luck.
Hi Singinforever
I’ve found it helpful to write everything down and I take 2 copies with me when I need to. It’s quick for them to answer which means they are not typing while your talking you have full undivided attention. My lists are put on electronic file. It saves a lot of time as it’s so hard to remember to ask everything in the time allocated.
Good luck hope this helps
Hi, Singingforever ! You said "but my R coronary artery was 94% blocked in one place (gulp!) and needed a stent." Yep, mine was even more blocked than that and I needed a stent in that one and my left (lad) which was also blocked. I was as fit as fiddle on a Friday, running up and down stairs, no symptoms at all, nothing, then on the Saturday I was walking as I normally do and suddenly got tightness across my chest and down my arms and called wife, could you pick me up. somethings wrong. The rest is a long story of blood tests back and forward but because I hadn't had a heart attack, I couldn't get an angiogram and I was getting worse and worse, could hardly move without angina/indigestion awful feeling/pains so decided to borrow the money and go private which has cost thousands ! But I'm here and I don't think I would have been because when the doctor saw the state of my blockages he was shocked. Is there anything I can help you with ? What do you want to know, my wife is a nurse too and I've been into this. The problem with lack of communication is really because for us lay people, the information that they have about us, we wouldn't be able to correctly understand it, you see and we would worry about this that and the other. BTW some of those meds do certainly make you feel ill but you should be able to change them for similar ones I do believe. All the best !
I remember back in 2017 being frightened of being sent home from the hospital after I had blood clots in the lungs!
To everyone who's read this and replied - THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I'm feeling very reassured that everything I'm feeling is totally normal. I honestly think I've felt my self physically relax a bit whilst reading the comments.
I totally agree that, whilst I received unbelievably good care in hospital, the coming home has been far worse than the HA itself!!!! A teeny amount of communication from the professionals would have made such a difference but I am feeling more prepared to ask questions via my GP tomorrow.
Wishing everyone a peaceful Sunday evening 🥰
Hi , I’m 4 months post heart attack and one stent discharged with the standard pack of meds which majority on this site will have , statins , beta blocker , blood pressure tablet , clot buster ( for 12 months ) and aspirin . Anything else is an optional extra .
Cardio rehab contacted me a few weeks after I met up and they explained everything . After 6 weeks cardio rehab gym started . If you are given the option take it it’s very useful to meet fellow cardiac patients .
If you are getting no joy with info . You should with your discharge notes be given a number for your cardio rehab team if they haven’t rung you ring them .
If you are unable to get info and can’t get an early meeting with GP use a private GP give them your discharge notes and list of meds and they will explain everything probably cost you £100 . They will even attend you remotely if you can’t visit .
There is no reason for you to be absent information or assistance , hope that helps .
Hi. I can completely relate to how you are feeling. It does get better. It just takes time and the mental side is far more challenging than the physical. I’m 3 1/2 years from my HA and it’s still surreal but a distant memory. It took time to re-adjust but I can still see the nurse running down the corridor and stopping at me because the blood test results had come back - I didn’t have a clue… Do the rehab it is greatly reassuring, you should hopefully have an outpatient appt and test to find out what happened 🤞, read up on what you can but when you are ready. Speak to you gp if you need to about your meds. Take it a day at a time and take it easy. Use all the groups you can as there are more people than you think just like you, don’t try and process what has happened too much too soon. And good luck. Chris
Hi, I had a similar experience to you . I had an NSTEMI before Christmas. My treatment in A&E was slow but I was transferred to a cardiac care unit at a different hospital and had 2 stents fitted the next day. The nursing staff were all fantastic. I thought that was all of the treatment I needed but the consultant casually mentioned when I was being discharged that I’d have to come back for another angiogram as I might need another stent fitted - no mention of this at any point before that. The discharge letter said I needed to be seen within 4 weeks as an urgent referral but when my appointment eventually came, it’s 14 weeks from discharge.
I’m trying to live as normal a life as possible but like you, every twinge has me worried. I went back to A&E as I had a pain in my chest a couple of weeks after the heart attack but after 8hrs was told it was indigestion. I did feel a bit embarrassed. I was back a second time with palpitations and kept in overnight as the beta blockers I was prescribed caused bradycardia and have had to be reduced. As a result I couldn’t start my cardio rehab sessions as my pulse was too low so still waiting for that to start. I worry that 14 weeks is a long time for an urgent appointment and I’m trying not to stress about it but it’s hard not to.
Hello,
I suggest you ask your GP to go through your discharge letter with you.
You can have a heart attack without blocked coronary arteries, a Myocardial infarction non obstructive coronary arteries, MINOCA.
It's important to know why you had your heart attack so you can have the appropriate testing and then treatment.
I was admitted to hospital over 12 years ago with a suspected heart attack. However incorrectly told I couldn't have a heart attack or angina because my coronary arteries are clear.
I was later diagnosed with vasospastic angina, which is caused by transient constrictions of the coronary arteries. A prolonged coronary vasospasm can cause a heart attack.
Women are more likely to experience a MINOCA. These types of heart attacks and their causes are often overlooked, unrecognised and under diagnosed.
I was in the same position - no surgery or stents needed. I seem to remember being given some guidelines as to what not to do - you are healing, so take it easy. For instance, don't try to make the bed - I tried and was alarmed how it made me feel totally wiped out. You can go for short walks, but start at 5 mins and slowly increase each day. You have probably been given an oral spray - use it if you think you need it. I only needed it a couple of times. Just rest for now, and take your meds. I was told I'd need to take lifelong meds but it wasn't explained to me that when the pills run out (preferably before) you have to order more from your GP or pharmacy. Also you will probably bruise very easily from whatever meds you've been given, so be very careful. Good luck, I'm still on the go after 7 years.
Thank you for your reply...whilst I wouldn't wish this on anyone it is so reassuring to know I'm not alone and really good to hear other people's experiences.
My hubby called my own GP surgery today and pretty much demanded a call back.. I got my call back and the Dr chatted to me for nearly half an hour and was so very very reassuring and full of advice and kind words (I think the kind words were what was needed 🥹).
Going to contact BHF nurses tomorrow and I've also been given contact deets for the cardio rehab team so happy to be feeling that I'm more in control of things.
Thank you all again 🫶🏻🫶🏻❤️🩹❤️🩹🫶🏻🫶🏻
Coronary aftercare follow ups
advice on recovery time
Progressive heart disease 
Confused and Scared
