Scared I am going to have a heart attack

[FlemCandango]

My dad had his first heart attack aged 44 and died aged 53. His father died aged 54, his brother aged 60. I have been diagnosed at high risk and put on various meds since a mini stroke this year. I have had tired, anxiety, cold sweats and aches this week. I am not ready to be open about my fear with my husband as it feels like that would give it credence. But the truth is I could have a heart attack and die. My dad died when I was 18. It was sudden and horrible even though we knew how I'll he was. My older siblings are going strong so far I am 48 so I am getting ever closer to the oldest dad ever got to be, it used to seem ancient it feels very bloody young now.

Why are you considered high risk? Some sort of inherited condition or lifestyle?

The obvious lifestyle issues are work/stress, diet and exercise. Can you take control, make gradual changes?

But now they have you identified, surely you'll be well taken care off. Make sure everyone knows then if something happens they're prepared over what to do. My sisters bridge club obviously has an older clientel (!) and the committee ummed and ahhed but eventually decided to buy a defibrillator. Just two weeks later someone collapsed and they had to use it. Several years later he's still playing bridge, thanks to that defibrillator. They're everywhere these days. Our village school has one at the front door and it can be used by locals.

I'm so sorry because Its terrible being worried all the time. Be proactive and let people help you. Everyone loves to help. And remember there have been huge advances in medicines since your dad died. Take care. x

The TIA, and the genetics are the background to my diagnosis, I have a stressful job, I am working from home so have put weight on which I can be proactive about (but it is difficult). I am vegetarian and cook from scratch, I have cut down on dairy and caffeine and salt. Being active is difficult so I have purchased some exercise equipment. So I am trying.

Thank you for the replies. I know rationally there are things that I can do. But the irrational stressed part of me has been triggered, my eldest child went to uni this September, and that is when my father died 2 weeks before I went to university. It was surreal going to his funeral and 2 days later moving into halls. A lot of feelings about this that I had squished down have inconveniently resurfaced.

I don't know what the cardiac issue is in your family, and I'm sorry for your loss. However, as a cardiac patient myself I know that certain arrythmias can be dangerous, but implantation of a pacemaker/defibrillator can save a life. If the issue is blocked arteries then a cardiac CT scan provides a "calcium" score which shows if and how badly calcified deposits (plaque) are blocking the arteries. A high calcium score can indicate risk of heart attack. If the arteries are blocked they can be cleared with an angioplasty quite easily.

Just two things that might help to ask about if pursuing this for further testing. Best of luck.