Heart Attack Support Group
Heart attack is a serious, sudden heart condition usually characterized by varying degrees of chest pain or discomfort, weakness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and arrhythmias, sometimes causing loss of consciousness. It occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart is interrupted, causing death and scarring of the local heart tissue.
Hi, I have been a member of daily strength for sometime now. I am only 40 years old and was told today that I had a small heart attack. There is some damage to a small lower part of my heart. I am so scared...I have a little one at home and I do not want to loose any time with her. Can a damage part of the heart rejuvenate?
Sorry that you had the HA and happy that you find us... I can tell you that every one here has suffered a heart attack.... some of us a quite big one... and most of us live quite normal lives.
Unfortunately the damaged part will not rejuvenate... at least not today. Since you are relatively young, you have a chance to see new treatments making wonders.
Nevertheless, if really it is an small part, do not worry too much, the heart is an incredible organ that is able to work even under incredible damage.
My advise is, follow your dr. indications, learn to listen your body, and come here for any question or need to vent that you might have.
Jesus.
Ditto everything Jrueda says. Your cardio can give you guidance about your treatment, meds, diet and exercise.
Fear is very common after an MI. So are depression and anxiety, so be aware of your feelings and share them with your MD. You may needs some meds to help, or some counseling, or both. And of course you can always come here for advice, suggestions, and people who will listen.
Hugs and prayers,
Pam
My primary care doctor told me that some of the damage is permanent, but part of your heart is just "stunned". The part that is stunned will recover, very slowly, over a period of many months. This was what it felt like to me.
Did they tell you your ejection fraction? That is the percentage of its total volume that your heart displaces with every beat. Normal is something over 60%. Six years after my MI, I'm doing okay with an EF of 42, although not with my old level of energy and drive.
Heart attacks come with a heavy cargo of emotions. You're not a wimp; you're normal.
Good Luck
Welcome to DS Heart attack - you are among friends, here and we're only too happy to help, share our experiences and support you.
I had a heart attack 5 months ago at the age of 45, so I know how you feel. It's a stunner, isn't it? Something none of us expect. You know, when the heart is subject to a heart attack, it always suffers some damage. It might only be scarring but there is always a trace of the attack. The question that remains is how well is your heart going to function after this?
You state that your HA was small as was mine. Mine was a 4.3 (4.0 is the smallest) but mine was complicated by my coding out. However, after all of that, my EF is 63%. Normal is 60 - 70%. I suffered no muscle death, just a bit of scarring.
It takes time to return to normal, the medication certainly takes it's toll as a starter. Your heart needs time to recover and this takes months not days or weeks.There is always the spectre of anxiety and fear. Don't be scared of talking to your Doctor about this as the effects can be long standing and extremely wearing.
On the bright side, 5 months after my HA, I'm nearly back to normal. The anxiety has almost subsided and physically, well, I'm back to my old self, still able to do what I could before if not more. However, this is because I invested in a new health regime, exercise regularly, have cut out all furry meat, eat no fat, dropped weight and ensure I take my meds.
Life CAN return to normal after an HA but it's a new normal. A fitter, healthier more self aware normal. I don't take my health for granted anymore, indeed it's my first consideration. I walk where I can and do at least half an hour of excercise a day. Last week, I saw some family that I hadn't seen for 2 years. The first thing they said was "God, you look well!". I must confess, I do and in all, feel well.
I'm sure you will come out the other side and would ask you to take us all here on your journey with you. We've taken this road and have all tripped up a little at times and all picked each other up again. We're so happy to do the same for you.
There is also a "health Heart cook Book" thread on here which will help you change your eating habits in a tasty an painless way. Have a read of it.....
Keep in touch and let us help you.
Have a wonderful day and CONGRATULATIONS on being survivor, not a victim.
Love and prayers,
Alli
x