Suspected heart issues

[toxgobbler]

Had a wake up call yesterday of a suspected heart attack, almost 40 and overweight. Was a scary while in A&E but ECG and bloodwork came back ok and a 12 hour Troponin test was negative, have been referred for an exercise ECG test and prescribed 75mg asprin & Glyceril Trinitrate (Angina) in the interim, until that test is done have been told to not do anything strenuous.

This has given me quite a shock as it came out of the blue, very stressed at work currently which probably doesn't help. I need to make some changes to my health and lifestyle I think and was hoping if anyone else has had similar and what they did or general advice on gentle exercise to get me trim and fighting fit and getting my heart healthy again for my wife & son (and obviously myself).

[Sparta VAG]

Can't offer direct personal experience but a colleague of mine had a heart attack at 47. He was quite overweight, but very stressed with personal and work life, and also smoked.

He had a nasty call similar to yours and turned himself around a bit. He didn't do anything drastic but cut out the booze, went swimming twice a week, and binned the fast food in favour of fruit and veg. His weight dropped off and health improved massively.

As it improved he took up cycling and biked to work twice a week instead of driving. He is much slimmer and healthier as a result. The body seems to be able to make good recovery even after quite serious illness.

(All with the usual disclaimer about being guided by your doctor etc. Also my colleague in the above example met a stunning Czech girl 20 years younger than him while swimming, they had a brief affair and shagged like rabbits while it lasted, which also seemed to do his health a power of good.)

[Pickled Piper]

Firstly don't panic and don't do anything drastic. I had something similar that ultimately turned out to be nothing but made me rethink my attitude to my health. I ended up in A & E with chest pains that turned out to be strained chest muscles from over strenuous swimming, followed by a mis read ECG.

Suggest just regular walking as a general exercise and a more healthy diet. I presume you will have a follow up appointment with your GP or Cardioligist. Take their advice before cranking up your exercise programme or drastically changing your diet. If you are a smoker - stop it.

Loads more people more qualified than I to give advice on this forum.

Good luck.

pp

[Aphex]

Had a similar experience that turned out to be nothing more than gas trapped in my chest cavity. Don't panic too much yet, I certainly did!

[JumboBeef]

toxgobbler said:

Had a wake up call yesterday of a suspected heart attack, almost 40 and overweight. Was a scary while in A&E but ECG and bloodwork came back ok and a 12 hour Troponin test was negative, have been referred for an exercise ECG test and prescribed 75mg asprin & Glyceril Trinitrate (Angina) in the interim, until that test is done have been told to not do anything strenuous.

I'm a Paramedic. From what you've said, you've not had a heart attack (MI: myocardial infarction) but one of possibly many other stress related issues.

The main thing is: listen up! Change your lifestyle (lose the weight), change the job (lose the stress) or the fickle finger of fate will change it for you at some random point in future

[Mastiff]

JumboBeef said:

The main thing is: listen up! Change your lifestyle (lose the weight), change the job (lose the stress) or the fickle finger of fate will change it for you at some random point in future

see here.....

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[toxgobbler]

Thanks, some very useful advice. Shall be doing most of the above. As mentioned above it may not have been an MI this time but is definately a sign I have to make changes or pay a price.