Cardiovascular Health
My Recent Unexpected Heart Attack
The good news is I survived to tell this tale
When I awoke on December 6th, 2023, I felt a burning sensation in my chest. I thought it was heartburn and wanted to take an anti-acid tablet. But soon, the pain took on a less familiar intensity, a spreading pain that steadily worsened.
Then I took Tylenol, but that didn’t help. I sought heartburn medicine, but that had no effect. The pain got worse.
In desperation, I woke my wife out of bed to take me to the hospital as the pain got intense. It dawned on me this is not just heartburn.
She understood my situation and immediately called an ambulance.
Ambulance Ride
The ambulance driver, a fireman, arrived on time and assured me of transporting me to the nearest larger hospital.
As we embarked on my first ambulance ride, I couldn’t help but ask, “Shouldn’t we use the siren?”
However, given the early hour at 5 a.m. and the sparse traffic along the Interstate, we sped off at eighty miles an hour without needing the siren.
The Diagnosis
Into the emergency room, I went in with no wait time and received hurried attention from various medical people who tested, poked, measured, and assessed me while I lay groaning and moaning.
The diagnosis came quick enough: “You are having a heart attack,” says the man in charge, a doctor, of course. He was the only one authorized at that moment to make that declaration.
My wife and I looked at each other with mutual shocked expressions as if this news was unexpected. It was. I value taking care of myself, exercising, and following a proper diet. A heart attack was not a possibility from our perspective.
I just related to the pain and complained they were not doing enough. So, they gave me morphine. It wasn’t enough, so they gave me more morphine. That still was not enough, so they gave me Fentanyl, which finally helped cut the edge.
The Procedure and Aftermath
Upon arrival at the hospital, I was swiftly escorted through a lengthy corridor to the surgery room, where a team efficiently transferred me from the gurney to the surgery table with the help of four attendants using a sheet.
During the procedure, a miniature camera was delicately inserted through my femoral artery to assess potential blockages within my heart. Identifying two blockages, the medical team promptly placed two stents in the affected veins.
Following the intervention, I transitioned to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and was discharged after three days to initiate a comprehensive three-month cardiac rehabilitation program upon returning home.
An Overview of My Ongoing Recovery
During my early recovery time in the hospital, someone suggested that depression was a possible side effect of heart attack victims.
I looked this up on Google, and sure enough, about 15% do develop long-term depression. I have not had this figure confirmed, but this is one outcome I plan to avoid.
A psychologist friend suggested that, in his experience, anxiety was the more common outcome of heart attacks.
Studies have shown that people sometimes experience mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD after a heart attack. I am determined to avoid these effects if possible. I watch out for my stress.
Cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands, can increase after a heart attack in response to stress. Long-term, high cortisol level increases the risk of heart disease. Here’s some practical guidance on managing elevated cortisol written by Dr Mehmet Yildiz based on his experience.
So now it appears I am in a pickle. By no choice of my own, I have assumed a new identity as a victim of a heart attack, or in other words, I am the victim of a myocardial infarction or medical emergency. Now, I must work to regain what is possible to have again.
A myocardial infarction (MI) occurs when blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. This is usually caused by a buildup of fat and cholesterol in the heart’s arteries, which can lead to plaques (atherosclerosis).
Understanding Blockages in Arteries
Atherosclerosis refers to the process of plaque building up in the walls of the arteries. Increased plaque narrows the arteries. As a result, it makes blood flow harder, causing stroke or heart attack. I understand that we need to optimize our endothelial cells to lower the impact of atherosclerosis.
These plaques can rupture and form clots that hinder blood flow to the heart muscle. Hence, the stents which open the arteries to enable the return of blood flow. Without these stents, a lack of blood flow can damage the heart or cause death.
All of this is quite intimidating and scary. The old age losses are mounting, and a new one has arrived as predicted. Now, I must learn to cope and accommodate changes that are coming in diet, exercise, and medication regimens.
The rubber will soon hit the road, and I will face the challenges of compliance with new rules, recommendations, safeguards, and numerous engagements with cardiologists and doctors. I am fortunate to have all this help available.
What I Learned from this Unexpected Incident
A three-month cardio rehab program is available in my area, which I will soon join and report on my progress in a story.
My motto: “With a healthy heart, the beat goes on.” Since heart disease is the number-one killer in America, heart health must take priority in any program of self-care.
Frankly, I never expected a heart attack because I exercise, watch my diet, and keep my weight down. However, I believe that, happily, my recovery will be quicker as a result.
More importantly, I had feelings of gratitude towards the nurses who cared for me; it turns out that expressing gratitude after a heart attack improves health outcomes.
I still have much to learn about what it will take to regain what I have lost, and the emotional component still needs to be confronted.
Crafting this story proved challenging, nudging me to confront my vulnerabilities in this old age. Despite this difficulty, I’m compelled to share this experience, believing it holds valuable insights that could resonate with my readers, offering them a new perspective on the importance of heart health.
If you find my piece helpful, you might also check out this helpful story by Mike Broadly, DHSc, titled Understanding Ischemic Heart Disease and How to Stay Heart-Healthy.
Thank you for reading my sad story. I wish you a healthy life.
