Don't fear the reaper

[Dragon Phoenix]

I had a heart attack last Thursday.

I was feeling uncomfortable in the chest region, and although the symptoms were not that typical for heart problems, in the end I decided to walk to the hospital for a quick check, and they refused to let me go. Spent the next four days there, turned out I had had a heart attack before I came in. There is no direct threat anymore right now, thanks to the medication.

I might as well have decided not to go to be honest - in which case a second attack Thursday night would have been likely and possibly lethal.

Please, especially those of us in the dangerous age bracket, be aware that any pain on the chest should be checked. ASAP.
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My photography:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/artrock2006/

[AcidFast]

Holy shit, DP! So glad you're ok! That's scary, though - are you otherwise healthy?

I agree with the chest pain thing - I'm in the medical field, and it is definitely no joke to get chest pain checked out.

Well, welcome back to the land of the ...er... currently AMI free

Guess this will affect a change in lifestyle, or what?

[Zag]

Wow! I'm very glad you're ok.

Take care of yourself.

[MNOWAX]

Holy Hell man! I'm glad as well that you got it checked out. Time for more light exercise!
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The Man The Myth The Legend
MNOWAX

[Amb]

Stupid question I know, but how old are you? I'm asking selfishly here as I don't actually know what the dangerous age is. (Of course I could ask google, but it seems appropriate to add this question)

[Dragon Phoenix]

I am 53.

Never smoked. Very moderate alcohol consumption (months in a row zero, then 2-3 glasses a day max for a while - coinciding with the return home of my wife). A bit heavier than ideal but not dramatic (88 kg at 185 cm). Regular walks, thanks to the dog. Eating sensibly (low fat, low salt).
And yet.

Of course, a relatively stressful job, and a non-ideal home situation with my wife spending large parts of the year in Shanghai.
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My photography:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/artrock2006/

[Quailman]

Holy cow! To hear of this happening to such a young guy is really scary. I'm glad you're okay.

[Chaz]

I have never been so glad to see bad news. not to mention surprised! DP is one of the healthiest nuts I know.
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The enemy's base is down.

[referee]

Wow, close one! Good thing you checked it out.
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[Jack_Ian]

It could have been a LOT worse. It could have happened to me.

Thanks for the wake-up call. Of course now I'm so stressed about getting a heart-attack, I'm off to demolish a tub of full-fat chocolate ice-cream for a little comfort.

Seriously though. Glad to hear you're okay. It's good that you got your wake-up call. I know it's scary, but it's far better to get a warning like this then stroll oblivious into a fatal incident.

I only wish hearing this would effect me more. I tick all the boxes. Overweight, stressful sedentary job, very long hours, practically no exercise, not a great diet. I'm a heart-attack waiting to happen.

And yet, somehow, I feel immortal.

[wordcross]

Glad to hear you're okay! Heart Attacks are no joke, even the mild ones.
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[Mackay]

Holy crap.

I'm so glad you're OK.

[Sniklac16]

Yeah def glad that your better now, hope this kinda thing doesnt happen again
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What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

[Antrax]

[Talitha]

DP... *hugs*

[Dragon Phoenix]

Thanks all. The company doctor has ordered me to stay off work for 2 weeks, so i will have time to recover, especially mentally.
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My photography:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/artrock2006/

[Chaz]

Well that's excellent news then (assuming you can afford to, which I do.)

I'm glad[er] to hear that you're doing so well.
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The enemy's base is down.

[Sessie]

Goodness, DP...I may not know you personally, but the thought of not seeing your name on these boards... *shudder* I'm so glad you're okay. You make damn sure and do what the doctor tells you to--don't make me come over there.
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"I have an everyday religion that works for me: love yourself first, and everything else falls into line." --Lucille Ball

[Courk]

I'm glad you're OK!

[Trojan Horse]

Let me add to all the well-wishes. Glad you hear you're still alive and kicking.

May I ask if you would do a favor for us hypochondriacs in the audience? (Like me?) Now that you've brought this up, even the slightest chest pain is going to make me panic. Let's face it; getting mild chest pain is just as common as getting mild pain anywhere else. It's just everyday aches and pains. But now I'm worried I won't be able to tell the difference.

Just how severe was the pain? And were there any other symptoms? I know you said it didn't seem like the typical heart attack scenario. But I'm hoping that there was some clear difference between (what you experienced) and (normal aches and pains).

Please set my panicky mind at ease. I'm getting chest pain just from typing this post.

[Fezzik]

~hugs DP~

glad to hear you're okay!
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-SB

[Dragon Phoenix]

Thanks all.

The frustrating thing is that the pain was not that severe. More discomfort than pain. But it did not go away.

Actually on Tuesday last week I may have had an attack as well. I had a similar feeling, and if anything more severe. When that died down during the day and did not return on Wednesday, I decided to just leave it be.

When in doubt, consult a doctor.
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My photography:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/artrock2006/

[Buzzsaw]

Was just coming here to post about this. Stay save DP, will be writing you shortly. Take care, old buddy. Talk soon..

Andrew

[Pablo]

DP, at my age (almost 65) I'm not eager to open threads with titles like "Don't fear the reaper"...but I finally did. I'm very sorry to hear this news, but those who survive their first heart attack are not necessarily destined to have a second. Take care! And I mean exercise AND diet. Don't rely on meds. And don't think that ust because you are avoiding certain things that you are eating "healthy". Learn what all the essential nutrients are, especially those related to heart health, and make sure you're getting them, diet or supplement. The good great news is that 53 is young enough that you can recover FULLY and have as robust a life as you want to have.

Keep us posted.....but please use less scary titles for your threads!
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All religions are the same - Guilt....just with different holidays.

[Chuck]

Is there any chance that pepperoni is the most heart-healthy pizza topping?

[jesternl]

Late in line for the well-wishers,, take it easy please.
Appropriate thread title though, as is to be expected

beterschap hennie, en doe het vooral kalm aan!

[Buzzsaw]

[MatthewV]

Best of luck* with your health.

Watch out for any time when you have to get less than a full night of sleep. For example, during the spring daylight savings there is an increase in heart attacks in your age group.

* _{it really isn't luck, is it.}

[Jack_Ian]

Yeah! When you are going to lose an hour of sleep, remember not worry so that the little sleep you do get will not result in a fatal relapse.
And for God's sake don't think of penguins.

I said NOT to think of them. There's no hope for you. Best give up now and reach for that bar of chocolate.

I knew a guy who was told by the doctor that he only had a year to live. The doctor told him to give up alcohol, sex and late nights and to take up yoga. "Will it help me live longer?" "No! But it will seem a lot longer", replied the doctor.