Heart Attack Survivors

PXMike

Just survived a Heart Attack involving blockage of the Left Anterior Descending Artery. Yep, a Widowmaker! Was very fortunate to get to the ER just at the peak of the attack and was immediately Stented. I was kept in ICU for 5 days then released after 2 days in Cardiac Care Telemetry. With the exception of very occasional strange feelings in the chest I am feeling great. Did not realize how much I WAS NOT oxygenating. I'm very anxious to get back on the horse and my doc says I have a great attitude and will do fine; however, he said he wants me to start out at about 60% speed and work my way up in both my Cardio and Strength Training over the next month. He also mentioned that even though I do have a personal trainer and nutritional coach, and am in otherwise great shape (Terrible Genetics), he would like me to take part in a Cardiac Rehab Program.

So now I pretty much have the ground rules laid out for my comeback, and my Personal Trainer and Cardiologist seem to be on the same page; however, I would like to hear from any fellow MFP's who may have already gone through this and can shed some light on what to expect and not to expect. My Cardiologist said I had a very freak blockage in the LAD and, of all places, that is the one place you DO NOT want a blockage. He said the remainder of my arteries, including all periforal plumbing look absolutely beautiful. My only real gripe at this point is the Beta Blocker he has me on has me so fatigued and lacking in the, um, well you know department, and the Anti-coagulant I'll have to take for the rest of my life so the Stent doesn't clot up makes me bleed like a proverbial stuck pig.

Here's wishing You All a Very Blessed and Happy 2013!

Firefox7275

Use cardiac rehab unless your personal trainer has an honours degree in an appropriate health discipline and was not training you before your last heart attack. I've worked with very few personal trainers who know the ins and outs of high risk medical complaints and how different pharmaceuticals affect your training. Not sure what a nutritional coach is, do they have an honours degree in dietetics or nutrition?

mactaffy84

I've really nothing to add regarding your question. I just wanted to say glad you are OK after your heart attack. God must have been watching over you! Make 2013 your best year yet!

Marieevans813

My husband had the exact same situation a few years ago. You really should go through the 6 to 8 weeks of cardiac rehab with certified cardiac rehab professionals. I wish you the best!!

Craigamears

I am not a heart attack survivor but have about 40 years of healthcare background (Cardiac Cath Tech & RN). Do the cardiac rehab. Ask your doc if you can use fish oil to thin your blood as that is one of its "side effects", it will also reduce your C reactive protein levels which are indicators for endothelial inflammation.

Your heart will eventually build collateral circulation around your blockage to keep your oxygenation going. Another good supplement is Co-Q10 which increases cellular oxygenation and has been used for years for post cardiac. I don't make any warrantees but it would be worth exploring the above with your cardiologist. Not sure what to say to you to avoid the "Blue Pill" or the bathtub pill necessary to counteract the beta blocker. At my age Blue is becoming my favorite color!!!!