Runner-cardiac arrest

[Runnerman87]

Hi there

I am 30yr old.been running-sport for abot 20yrs

8wks ago i was out training.intense session this nite.i was alone and decided todo it near my local hospital'mainly Becaus there is a good big grass area to run around...suddenly had felt weak leags were hanging off me and dizzy..heart was goin awoll!new something aas wrong so sat a few minutes was a warm night to..i re tried running no gd.started to realise i was on dodgy legs..hosp was a few min walk so i said i have to go..got there eventually saw a nurse right away tried to explain my story..she sat me down with monitor on etc heart was at 260ish..next thing i remem was sayin i was getn weaker etc..bang...2 shocks later i waken..shouting what was that etc..v v scary!!got a mri done aftr this..not much showd up..went for a ablation then and during this heart went awol again and had to be shocked!! Few wks later iv been fitted with a icd!!hopfuli now im on right road ro recover!!been a long few wks..scared that the new icd could move if to much movement is done?anyone ever have it happen like this before?i am back for first check up soon.

[Wodney1966]

i had a icd fitted in jan n mine dosnt move its in solid lol

[pinnelli]

Not had ICD fitted but was very fit & I had IHCA too whilst cycling,

You don't provide much other detail as to what reasons they gave so our cases may differ.

Take care and rest up. Try not to worry but believe me that's easier said than done!

[Runnerman87 in reply to pinnelli]

Tbh doctors havent yet told me how or why i got cardiac arrest'other than you had a serious episode of VT and intensity of training has took its toll.bad heart electrics etc' it feels lik a case of docs just taking you in and shippin you out just as fast!.when tbh ppl out there train alot more than i do so why arent they in same boat??also months before i got a heart screening and never heard back from the docs..why worry you would think?

Having faith is hard!i leave hosp after icd fitted thinking happy days!got home a day later couldnt breath!why then??.a clot had now formed in my lung...purely unfair treatment wile waiting about for the procedures in hosp!!they never put me on any medication-klexine etc for the time laying abot the place..

[pinnelli in reply to Runnerman87]

Believe me I've been there - the why me. My wife tells me it was extreme excercise & I also say others push even harder etc. People who smoke or eat junk food etc. By the way I have never done so!

It's like anything in life sometimes it's not fair but accepting our fate is 1st step. I had anxiety support, did all the rehab & looked for any other support. Local Vicar, friends - I just talked to them.

Take care

[sca2013]

Yes, you may want to look into the role of norepinephrine in this situation. What happens is we get so wound up with what we're doing (work, exercise, or other situations) that our bodies are running on norepinephrine (basically an unnatural extreme fight or flight response). Same thing happened to me when I experienced cardiac arrest, but obviously survived. In the future, everyday as a preventative, one of things that can be done is to stop what we are doing. Then if you are in a place where you can do it lie on the floor and do slow breathing in and out through your nose. Or do a mild walk or listen to soothing music. These types of activities create Serotonin and cause us to calm down. There is quite a lot more to it than just this, but it is a start.

[pinnelli in reply to sca2013]

This is really interesting, something that really strikes a cord.

Yes I don't believe the excercise alone did it but I was at a stage where for years I'd been cramming in a busy job, young family & full on excercise. And not relaxed if I couldn't squeeze my big fix excercise in. Cycling to work & back all year (30 Mile round trip) odd evening rides in spring & summer & rides on weekends. We are outdoor pursuits family so even do stuff on weekends away & holidays.

Then OHCA! Ruptured plaque in otherwise pristine arteries.

I will look up what you said as one thing I've noticed now is how relaxed I feel. I would often have mild flight or fight sensations, and in rare cases a panic attack. I can honestly say that's pretty much stopped. I assumed maybe the meds surpressing me, or just something changed in my head after near death experience & maybe that's still part of it. But I also think you are right, I've slowed down, not trying to cram it all in.

I also practice mindful breathing almost daily, just mins and the results are significant.

Thanks your post really struck a cord.

Hope you doing well.

Chris