Were you offered cardiac rehab? or a ... - Sudden Cardiac Ar...

Sudden Cardiac Arrest & Heart Attack

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Were you offered cardiac rehab? or a physical exercise plan

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Share your heart attack recovery plan with the community.

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I was put on aspirin therapy

I'm on cardiac rehab, mostly to control my blood pressure...I mainly have to limit my saturated/trans fat and salt intake. I also try to incorporate more physical activity in my daily routine, i.e. taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Yes undertook a 2 days a week for 6 weeks at local cardiac rehab centre about 2+ mths after triple by-pass surgery & thoroughly enjoyed it. Also attending a scheme run between local HB & local council at leisure centre gym, excercising twice a week. Have undertaken these schemes on past occasions after HA & angioplasty. Would recommend anyone to undertake if they are available.

Knotty profile image
Knotty

Yes. Was offered, and accepted, a two-sessions-a-week rehab programme of about six weeks. These were mainly exercise classes but also some information giving sessions (eg on medications and healthy eating).

I attended those exercise classes and sessions as I thought they could do no harm.

I was assessed before the start of the programme and after it.

Andyman profile image
Andyman

I was offered Cardiac rehab. It lasted 8 weeks and each session consisted of 2 parts. First part was a talk/discussion about various heart attack related subjects. The heart and how it works, the drugs prescribed, how it affects us mentally, diet, exercise and more. The second half was monitored exercise class.

I have to say it was great and really helped me at the time. What's was great was to be with other people who had had had similar experiences as me. We could talk together and understand where as people who had not had an attack will never understand. Learned a lot and started me no a path to where I am now.

Where am I now.......😀

in reply to Andyman

Welcome, Andyman! Hope you find a good community here, too!

arty_sax profile image
arty_sax in reply to Andyman

I agree totally... it's a good idea to attend... or found out about the rehab program and booked myself on it!! However I have done my own rehab program.... I get my heart beat up to 120 beats per minute for 10 minutes every day!! I started off slowly. .. walking 2 km... I'm now 3 months later doing 8km nearly every day!! I got a dog too to make it more fun!! I've found this gets rid of the acid feeling and it's also helped with my mood too. I've even forgotten to tale my tablets a few times... which indicated to me that I'm less worried than before. I would recommend this to all of us who have suffered from the MI.

Andyman profile image
Andyman in reply to arty_sax

Yes walking was the way to go for me. I walked so fast in the end I started running. I run now also.

The option of taking a dog for fun is not on for me.....cant stand the things but each to his own :-}

Rory profile image
Rory

I had my heart attack 2 years ago and as I was a fit person it hit me hard. I did the cardiac rehab programme and I found it great. It was so good to do something positive and feel safe while starting exercising. The nurses and trainer were fantastic and I feel it/they saved me from the dark place I was in. After completing the programme I started on the next step which in Leeds is a thing called "Heart Watch" which is an ongoing one hour exercise class held at all council sports centres with 2 cardiac trainers taking the classes. Some of the older chaps have been going for 20 years. I am now 61 years old and go 3 times a week and really enjoy it. I have come to accept I will never be what I was before my HA but I am going to be as good as I can be. I feel we are lucky here to have the follow up programme Heart watch and I would urge everyone to take up the offer of Cardiac Rehab.

arty_sax profile image
arty_sax in reply to Rory

The rehab class in isleworth isn't up to much... mainly.cuz I'm the youngest there and it's held in a tiny room. Off the main gym. I'm sort of doing the rehab myself... I'm up to 8km walking nearly every day.... it's the one thing that makes me feel good and strong!!

Delphetta profile image
Delphetta

I wish that we're true. As a non smoking vegetarian who doesn't drink, has normal to low blood pressure, no cholesterol problem and rarely drinks alcohol I had a heart attack! No family history but Atrial FIBRILATIONS occasionally, four five times a year. I was aged 56 and walked around with chest pain for two days before going to A& E. Heart attack never crossed my mind.

mudnight profile image
mudnight in reply to Delphetta

I was 52 with my first heart attack i just turned 55 and have had a total of 3 heart attacks since then every year i have one last one was less than a week ago, genetics

Delphetta profile image
Delphetta

Yes, I know AF is different and I am grateful to my heart attack for it enabled me to have lots of monitoring which allowed the Cardiac team to catch an episode of AF on paper. This means I am on an anti coagulant to prevent stroke. My cardiologist believes that AF cause a clot in a small vessel of my heart. he says I am just " unlucky" as my life style is ok.

Knotty profile image
Knotty

I have not changed my eating habits if that is what you are asking. From what we were told in the information session with a dietitian there was no need for me to do so.

By the way the post course assessment showed a weight and waist reduction - but then I had shoes on for the initial assessment and not for the follow-up and my waist was measured loosely over a tee-shirt for the first and tightly against skin for the second. Would have looked good on the rehab section's records.

The fitness test before the course (walking at increasing speeds between two points) was stopped when I was walking at a quick pace. After the course it went on till I was jogging. For neither did I experience any pain or get out of breath. Again, it would have looked like a good outcome.

Knotty profile image
Knotty

Are you suggesting that heart attacks are always caused by blocked arteries?

I had angiogram (because first consultant announced I had had a heart attack, had angina and would need a stent). This diagnosis was based on a single (never repeated) blood test.

Fortunately Harefield Hospital (well known specialist hospital in the UK) who carried out the angiogram said I had clear and smooth artery and had not had a heart attack.

Chest x-ray, echocardiogram and bubble test also found no problem.

Second consultant said the blood test troponin level (not very high) could have been caused by an infection.

jackiesj profile image
jackiesj in reply to Knotty

Mine was only found thru a radioactive stress test.all other test negative.Is there information on high sugar levels and heart attacks.I am thankful you are ok.

julie1908 profile image
julie1908 in reply to Knotty

Do you remember what your troponin Level was?

Knotty profile image
Knotty in reply to julie1908

I've been away from HU for a while so my reply is delayed.I can't remember the level but know it was quite low when zero is supposed to be "normal".

Knotty profile image
Knotty

I learned about troponin levels after my hospital stay.

They did the test on admission (in fact in A&E and admitted because of the blood test result). But they did it only once when they should really monitor. So they did that test and used that as the basis to carry out the angiogram, expecting that I must have blocked artery whereas Harefield said they found it smooth and clear and even better than they would expect for someone of my age.

Knotty profile image
Knotty

Accident and Emergency - ie where an emergency response ambulance takes you.

Also people turn up who don't want to wait for an appointment with their doctor or don't access a walk-in centre.

Not-yet_53-10 profile image
Not-yet_53-10

Yes. To begin rehab sometime next week. Had heart attack on December 2.

SimoneHU profile image
SimoneHUHealthUnlocked in reply to Not-yet_53-10

Welcome to the community Not-yet_53-10! When you are ready, we would love to hear more about your journey: healthunlocked.com/write/he...

Not-yet_53-10 profile image
Not-yet_53-10

Genetics may play a part in some cases, mine, was a combination of stress, bad habits and bad food choices. Should know better, being former marathoner, but we're usually the lasthma to know.

Kwalk profile image
Kwalk

I also did cardiac rehab I think it's more beneficial when you do it with a group that has been thru same basic things you have rather than try to just go to gym by yourself you have people monitoring you the whole way thru

GosportNancy profile image
GosportNancy

I had an echo scan late March this year following my first (hopefully only) SCA. My GP has been sent the results (diastolic heart failure which I have had since the mid 80's) but no follow up or treatment offered.

A physiotherapist from our community re-hab team dropped by for the ist time a week ago with some balance exercises for me to work on. Her blood pressure readings showed falling pressure on sitting from lying down then another fall when standing from sitting.

She said she would report these findings to the GP locally but I am not holding my breath as he is about as much use as a chocolate teapot.

GosportNancy profile image
GosportNancy in reply to GosportNancy

Just to add that the physiotherapist has signed me off so now I get totally no support from the NHS whatsoever

Jennygriffin profile image
Jennygriffin in reply to GosportNancy

Just keep nagging them, dont give up.

GosportNancy profile image
GosportNancy in reply to GosportNancy

Just found this reply....3 months on...still no feedback from the GP regarding the physio report so we are now looking at moving house to get away from the local hospital and GP practice. I have also found out that the hospital is now in special measures.

arty_sax profile image
arty_sax in reply to GosportNancy

Go to Harefield hospital A&E. They will sort it.... faint in the waiting area... they will soon attend to you.

GosportNancy profile image
GosportNancy in reply to arty_sax

Lol...I think I'll give that one a miss...I live in Sussex and can't walk to the local supermarket...let alone travel to London. Besides, I am a full time carer to my Husband and he is housebound, March will be my first anniversary of the cardiac and I am still waiting for my 1st cardiology appointment...I was referred 2 months ago

jackiesj profile image
jackiesj in reply to GosportNancy

GosportNancy. The wheel that squaks gets oiled....2 months too long.You deserve attention...be put on a waiting list and get in if you need to.One heart one life.

GosportNancy profile image
GosportNancy in reply to jackiesj

JUst to update. Still no cardiac nurse and no word from the cardiac team. I have had heart failure since the late 80's so I guess I can wait a bit longer. I also found out recently that I won't get on the heart transplant list until after it had been shown that I haven't responded well to meds...only I am currently on the starting dose of ace inhibitors and am considering stopping them as the side effects are too troublesome.

skybluepink profile image
skybluepink

Given a quick fix angioplasty with meds left unexplained .Had been revived then left isolated with care workers in a cubicle .Forced [ security] out knowing single with no family or carer dependent on car re: mobility problems [ Dukes Analysis] which are probably heart failure .Never given info with meds in dosset box. Found out latercondditions such as Raynauds / hives] uticaria pins and needles probably caused by interaction e.g.: digoxin and simvastatin.Issues with private tele care operation .Still a problem with this and when need escort re sedation as consider risky. Now GPs, hospitals & Pharmacist doing same when ask for assistance admin & Drs discharging e.g. Mini pacemaker or Inspire Device discharge.

Julesju1212 profile image
Julesju1212

I was told I would see a cardio rehab nurse on discharge but she was off duty when I left the hospital. I am going for an echo cardio gram on Tuesday & returnin for a follow up in outpatients 30 December.

skybluepink profile image
skybluepink

As no damage just classic heart failure symptoms they refuse to put me in touch with Integrated team as on the boundary of COPD & HEART FAILURE & Disability [ spina bifida occult] even though refused social services before MI when knew had severe dysponea [ breathlessness affecting mobility and function ]Now leaving me at risk - safety as solo.

Jennygriffin profile image
Jennygriffin

Yes i received a very intensive cardiac rehab program, 6 consecutive days, where we learnt about eating the correct foods exercise programmes, I then went onto a programmed cardiac exercise program at my local gym.....I consider myself very lucky to have had quality follow up. There are often questions in my head that I would like answering, because the experience was very scarey and I dont want it to happen again.

Edward_H profile image
Edward_H

I had my first session on Thursday and the next one is due on Tuesday. As well as the benefits of the exercise, it is good to talk to others in a similar situation. I was also able to to talk to one of nurses about problems I have been having (my GPs seem totally disinterested)

Speee1dy profile image
Speee1dy

yes, went to rehab for 3 months i loved it but am not able to join a gym yet. hopefully by may i can join the gym. i can do some stuff at home but i felt better actually going to rehab. i almost wish i were still going

henbowalker profile image
henbowalker

Both! For Cardiac Rehab I was told by one nurse that "I did her head in!" By another that "I was a hopeless case!" I had two home visits from another nurse! On her last visit she used my equipment to take my blood pressure & advised me that she had, with my permission, contacted my GP & asked for my Ramipril to be increased from 5mg/day to 7.5mg/day?

For the Exercise plan it was a little difficult since I suffered from Arthritis in both Knees & had been discharged from Hospital suffering from Gout in my right ankle! I couldn't attend despite two invites! I was returned to the care of my GP shortly after! (Within approx 6 wks of my H/A)

Due to the apparent "lack of interest" in me by the CRT my medication was investigated by me! I visited my GP & had the Ramipril stopped & replaced by Candesartan! No side effects! Like Dry cough, Mood Swings, Tinnitus etc!!! Unfortunately Bisoprolol was stopped instead of Tecagoril on the anniversary of my H/A! Now rectified a month ago! My H/A medication consists of :- 75mg/day Aspirin, 2mg/day Candesartan, 1.25mg/day Bisoprolol, 40mg/day Atorvastatin!

Amchan profile image
Amchan in reply to henbowalker

Hi henbowalker, just interested to know if you were given anything for the gout as my dad is on similar meds since his attack last Friday and is already suffering a flare up of his gout. Glad you got your meds sorted eventually.

Kerryy profile image
Kerryy

Yes I was and at first very sceptical ,however I soon came to realise that all the attendees were in the same club and the ability to talk to a group of survivors was very therapeutic . After all despite the medical background of all your cardiac team you are the ones that know what it really feels like to have a heart attack. !!!!

Joao_S profile image
Joao_S

Yes, I have done the cardio rehab twice now. Once after my HA (one stent fitted), and then 6 months later after the 2nd stent was fitted. I also was referred to my local gymn where I can attend cardio rehab classes run by a fitness instructor (paid classes - £3.20 per class, or free if you are a gym member)

jackiesj profile image
jackiesj

offered cardio rehab at 7000$ out of insurance mostly out of pocket.So i sat with cardiologist and asked about a program with local gym that i talked to the staff to ok first.accepted for only 30$ a month.Cardio rehab could see me between hrs of 1-4pm, impossible, don't drive nothing fit but the gym.Benefits of cardio rehab of course is medical staff/information.Gym i made sure could support me and certified in many areas.I also have MS so partial body cooperation.I weigh 120, heart strong arteries the issue.No symptoms of heart disease at all.Than surprise.....quad than a year later 4 stents because quad failed.When i must be home not at my program i have a program for home..The downside is i don't have the cheering squad/no one to answer the questions immediately and do it with someone around.Stretches, pilates, treadmill,youtube.Research.Before heart issues shown i had a diet of no potaotes bread cheeses any sauce including condiments took fat off meets including skins.Doctor sat on my bed and shook his head.120lbs no symptoms, and all this....genetics.

jackiesj profile image
jackiesj

SimoneHU offered rehad but with MS also circles ran around docs.A daily exercise program at home, revamp of eating and enjoy life a must.found out that singing with youtube(no kidding) had made my heart muscle stronger than my age and its the arteries that have issues.....Rehab would have taken 7000$ from insurance and I'm an old nurses aid...educated...can use that money if I had it to further in simple less time consuming ways.

mudnight profile image
mudnight

i dont do cardio rehab i have had 3 heartattacks and even though i work at a medical clinic that has rehab they only have the cardio rehab at the hospital which is not on campus i walk every where atleast 20 miles a week so they let me go on the rehab at the hospital and say that my walking is fine!

Sulfurman profile image
Sulfurman

I had the rehab classes after my heart arrest and stent ..they were good...but stopped after 12 weeks..so I joined the local gym and got a sensible routine sorted by an expert...almost three years now...I get to gym four or five times a week ..running 5km then doing some weights..it is hard some days but feel fitter at 64 than I did ten years ago...

arty_sax profile image
arty_sax

Yes... But it was half hearted and it made me feel sooo old as most on the program looked like they were in their 70's!!

Markl60 profile image
Markl60

I was expelled from my hospital lipid clinic on account of the fact that I would not take Statins preferring to go down a diet based approach with some supplements. I had to take the case to my local MP Liz Kendall and this resulted in a hearing with the hospital. They did not reinstate me however but admitted that perhaps it was handled clumsily. It was a shocking eye opener for me to the way the medical profession is in the hands of big Pharma and if you as a patient dont tow the line you will be dealt with brutally

No help offered , I was just given a prescription for Apixaban, after the GP had consulted the 3 criteria. I’ve never seen a specialist.