Life After A Heart Attack: How To Navigate It All

In this episode of Talking With Docs, Dr.Heffernan - a Cardiologist - talks about what to do after having a heart attack. From lifestyle modifications to medications and follow up testing.

Medical emergency
Do NOT use the Video for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on the Video.

General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practice medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.

#heartattack #heart #heartdisease #hearthealth #diabetes #health #stroke #cardiology #healthylifestyle #cardiacarrest #cardiologist #healthy #highbloodpressure #hypertension #bloodpressure #cholesterol #hearthealthy #doctor #covid #nutrition #heartdiseaseawareness #heartfailure #wellness #healthyliving #medicine #healthyheart #cancer #heartbeat #fitness #healthcare

[evolvep]

I suffered from a heart attack today
I’m 42 and am a martial artist. 6’1 tall and 200 pounds. At the hospital right now watching this video. It gives me strength, hope and the positive outlook. I will do what ever I can to not get another one. Thanks for the video.

[cindybuntain]

I suffered a heart attack and for 2 years I was so depressed. I finally had enough of feeling that way I went and got a job. 12 years later it’s the best thing I did for myself

[dalemoses]

I'm 48 years old and in relatively good shape as I do work out. I had a heart attack 8 days ago and had a stent placed into my artery. I'm going through a bit of depression and am happy that I found this video. Great video and extremely informative.

[UltraSportKiwi]

Great video and advice. I had a heart attack a few months ago, 45 yo, fit and slim, so it was a shock. Had some days of depression. But 2 months now, I'm back feeling pretty great, almost the same as before. I found getting an indoor bike trainer really good - just easing back into it, being careful, day by day did a bit more. No matter what the doctors told me, hearing other peoples positive stories helped me the most. I've stopped eating sugary food and I've stop drinking any alcohol since.

[TomTennant]

This is wonderful information for anyone who has had a heart attack. Like most of the posters below, I'm relatively young (53), have exercised regularly for nearly 30 years, but have a genetic disposition for heart disease. And like everyone else, suffered a heart attack about a month ago. Your video validates everything my cardiologist told me and should comfort anyone who watches it. Thanks!

[TheRoadhammer]

I suffered 3 heart attacks on 10/18/23, two minor and one major, as a piece of plaque broke free and caused 100% blockage.
These happened in a span of 49 minutes, from first to last and being in a cardiac unit in Chicago. The cardiologist put a Stent in, held me for three days, I ran on the treadmill for 7 minutes and did 50 push-ups non stop. He said my heart is beautiful, cannot find any damage and said if I went to another cardiologist and didn't say anything about having a heart attack, the new cardiologist would never know. I was released on a Friday, was changing semi truck tires on Saturday, worked at the shop until Wednesday and was back on the road as a long haul trucker by Friday. I throw chains, carry 150lb tarps on top of loads, and I feel great. Will I drop dead next week, next month, who knows but I completely changed my lifestyle, eating and exercise are my priorities and no, I am not a big obese slob of a truck driver. I am a former semi pro powerlifter, collegiate linebacker and played basketball and baseball through high school and into college.

[flanerpete]

You guys hit the nail on the head with this video. Suffered a heart attack 2 hours before my flight departure from Schiphol to Dallas 13 months ago. Hit me like a bus. Thanks to alert airport staff, I was rushed to a nearby hospital where I was properly diagnosed and received a stent procedure. After 12 days under the care of the cardiology department, spent three weeks in a rehab and recovery center, then three weeks in a hotel waiting for clearance to fly home, all the while slowly rebuilding my stamina with exercise.

Just visited my cardiologist last month for my yearly how-goes it. All is well, so he dropped one of the blood thinners and halved the statin dose.

Even though I have a family history of heart disease on the male side of the family, I was very active. However, I smoked for a number of years when younger before quitting cold turkey in 2005. Both of these factors contributed to my event. If you smoke, quit. If you don't exercise, get up and move.

[mikebakker]

Just had an heart attack last Sunday and I have been so impressed with our health system. I went from our local emergency to the Ottawa heart institute and on the operating table in less then an hour, had 3 stents put in, 3 days later had 2 more put in. My gratitude to the Ottawa heart institute, they are top notch. Now home and rehabbing and changing my bad habits.

[cehollister]

information right on - just went thru this - very mile introduction to a heart attack - I am now the owner of 2(two) stents - women are so different in their symptoms - 82 years old with a new outlook with a big second chance --thanks guys

[southerncross]

Seven days ago I had a massive heart attack needing two stents. I so needed this talk, thank you….

[WakeMeUpInVegas]

Great video! My mum had a “widowmaker” heart attack yesterday. 90% blockage in the LAD. Her symptoms were nausea, vomiting, sweating, pain (she said it was like someone was ripping her spine out through her back and kicking her in the chest at the same time). We live literally 3 minutes away from the closest hospital. Within 90 mins she was stabilised at the local hospital then transferred to the one one town over that has the equipment for the type she had.
The dr who did her stents is only there Tuesdays so she was so blessed with having her there. Otherwise she would have been flown to Melbourne. Mums my best friend. I had to be strong while she was at home til the Paramedics left then I broke down. I’m still so scared of losing her. This video eased my mind a whole bunch!❤

[mtcynthus]

Thanks for talking about the depression that often sets in. Too many doctors seem to miss mentioning that.

[kimberlyleavitt]

Shared with a friend whose Dad is in the hospital now post heart attack. That is good to know that depression is common afterwards- something to consider for our elders in general.

[libbyannstew]

Dr. Heffernan has such a lovely quiet way about him; very informative without being preachy. His patients must be very grateful to have him as their cardiologist.

Hoping in a future episode you can address the emerging evidence that perhaps cholesterol isn’t the devil it has been made out to be?

[vickyburton]

At 62, I had a heart attack (two blood clots in my Coronary arteries) four weeks ago. I could not believe it because I eat clean, exercise six times a week and have a healthy lifestyle. I had two stents placed 30 minutes into my heart attack and am now on Plavix. I walked five miles yesterday and have no damage to my heart. Thank God I was in good shape and we have a level 3 cardiac hospital here in my city. I have been a type 2 diabetic for 20 years, but my A1C is kept around 5.8-5.9. Thank you for your videos.

[MarkedMoneyTech]

Thank you so much for sharing your insight. I am a 42yr F, and just had a mid lad stent placed after an emergency room visit with shortness of breath and sudden ongoing dull pain in my upper chest and upper back. I thought it was pneumonia, or bronchitis, even cold, flu, or covid, but all tested negative. However my troponin levels were continuously rising while in the E.R. They ended up doing a cardiac cath and inserted a stent. The most noticeable thing since being discharged is the return of my energy. I've dealt with extreme fatigue for years and now it's gone.

[hg]

Great information!! Just did some lab test, and my cholesterol and triglycerides are high. My primary Dr recommended me to visit a cardiologist for more testing. I really enjoy your teaching and sense of humor.. thanks 🙏 for your time and information.

[dancurran]

My health definitely improved over the last two and a half years since my heart attack. I got the works: CABG, valve replacement, and pacemaker with defibrillator. I lost a ton of weight and walk daily. I have a lot of arthritis in my back which I thought caused pain over the years, but it turns out it was heart related. The pain never came back after surgery. My advice is to get that back pain checked out thoroughly!

[DanielBrundige-hpze]

Totally helps...you are the first video post heart attack. 55 years old. Bike, basketball, tennis, swimming, etc...completely worried right now. Feeling like I am about to lose everything, and the sense of being a step away from death. Kinda scary, but as I educate and learn more it gets better. Cleaning up diet, have that crazy pill regiment going, and taking it easy until Cardio Rehab...doctors and nurses were excellent, but the biggest thing I am learning is that the more I KNOW the easier it is to feel better, mentally!!! and physically. So THANKS for this talk!

[marciaborg]

Thanks for having the cardiologist back on here again.