Is this possible? (heart related)

[CRB#33]

Is it possible to have had a heart attack, not know it, have it show up on an EKG that you had one, the damage is healed and there may not be a need to see a cardiologist???? Under the age of 45?

I would think that if you had a heart attack, you should be seeing a cardiologist for the rest of your life, regardless of how minor it was.

Anybody have experience with this?

Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Well, I know you can have one, not know it and have it show up on an ECG, however, I would think that would be a signal to be, at the very least, observant, over the coming years of your life. JMO.

 

[piratesmate]

I've heard of people having heart attacks & not knowing until it showed up on the EKG.

I'm not a doctor, and I DON'T play one on TV but . . .

If the doctor who gave this advice was part of an HMO, I'd either change primary physicians or pay out of pocket to get this verified by a cardiologist. Sorry, I'm skeptical. JMHO

Deb

 

[CRB#33]

Well, to clarify, he did say he was going to show the EKG to a cardiologist and then let us know if he needed to be seen. I would think that wasn't an option. I agree with Dan that it would be an indicater of what you needed to look for throughout the rest of your life.

 

[karebear1]

I believe they're called "silent" heart attacks. My dad found out that he had had at least 2 before he had a MASSIVE heart attack. Luckily- he had a good cardiologist and he survived for another 5 years after that heart attack. ( he died of a stroke- his heart was good after the surgery) DO you know the extent of the damage? When my dad had his massive heart attack- they found that half of his heart was severly damaged from these silent heart attacks! They thought that the damage had been done YEARS before- like when he was in his 40's-50's. He actually didn't have the bad attack until he was like 68. I would definetly get a second opinion, especially if the damage is done- it just makes common sense to watch someone that has a heart related condition. Good luck, it's amazing what good medicine can do these days!

 

[Poohlovr]

Another one who is not a doctor and does not pretend to be one on TV...but, as a cardiac nurse, I can tell you, that yes, we have patients who have had a "silent MI", without residual damage, who were told (by a cardiologist) that there was no need to be followed by cardiology.

So, yes, it does happen, frequently.

Of course, we do try to do teaching on Healthy heart diets, exercise and of course, the symptoms of an MI....(some are so vague, you would never know what was happening.).

 

[Beauty]

Yes it is very possible to have a heart attack and not know it. My dad had one at sometime or other before he died a few years ago. His was brought on by diabetes that we didn't know he had.....the diabetes ended up bringing on a major heart attack that killed him.

 

[Pin Wizard]

DH died from a massive heart attack at 38. When I talked with the ME, he said that judging by the scar tissue, DH had previously had an MI.

 

[luv2nascar]

good luck with the outcome
I'd at least have a cardiologist tell me I don't need to see them again
hoping it all works out for the best

 

[CRB#33]

My deepest sympathies to you PinWizard, karebear and to you too Beth.

YIKES!

Okay, new question. A silent heart attack, damage is healed, 44 years old. Takes pretty good care of himself. Not overweight, doesn't drink, smoke, but has huge amounts of stress.

What are we looking at?

 

[Beauty]

The stress would worry me a little. What would it take to decrease the stress?

How about everything else? Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar things that can around and about effect the heart?

What about a stress test? A little bit more extensive than just a regular EKG??

 

[nativetxn]

My husband had a heart attack and didn't know it until he had a <b>second</b> heart attack.

I would imagine someone should see a cardiologist if they find out they've had a heart attack, though.

 

[CRB#33]

Well, he's going for blood work this week to find out about those things you mentioned.

I don't understand why he's not supposed to have a stress test. Maybe that's something a cardiologist will decide.

I'm not sure what to do about the stress other than quit his job, which really isn't an option at this point.

It's certainly made me look at how I am with him and I can tell you that I have made a vow to cause him as little stress as possible. I know that will help because I can be a pain in the you know what

 

[Pin Wizard]

Won't his primary care phys. refer him to a cardiologist?

 

[lisajl]

My mother in law had a double heart attack on Dec 25, 2002. We had just gotten to Savannah when they rushed her to the hospital.
She had several old scars from previous heart attacks.

They released her from the hospital, no driving until Feb 1 and they had her on a monitor at home. (She lives in MI).
They still have to run a stress test on her.

It is driving us crazy...we keep thinking...why is it taking so long to get things done.

But, she is stable, no problems since then.
Sorry I don't have any answers for you, just thought I would put in my .02, and let you know what they have done for MIL.

Lisa

 

[CRB#33]

I don't know PinWizard. The only thing he said was that he was going to show the EKG to a Cardiologist and let him know in about a week what was said. I thought that he should just go right away for a stress test, but I guess through his Physical Exam, there didn't seem to be a need for this right away or that it was something a Cardiologist would recommend.

This is all so confusing to me. You hear the words, "heart attack" and all sorts of horrible images come to mind and not being knowledgable, you don't know what kinds of questions to ask.

That's why I'm here and I'm researching on the Internet too. I came here first because there are just so many different kinds of people here, I knew I could get some feedback and not just research articles.

Thanks everyone for your replies so far!

 

[DixieDreamer]

Don't have any experiences to relay... but wanted to give you a cyber hug. Kind of scarey to know that he had one... and I would want more reassurance about what he is facing for the future too. You have to be armed with questions when you go to the doctor. They move you through so fast anymore it is hard to keep your wits about you and ask questions.

 

[CRB#33]

Thanks DD . It sure has been a roller coaster the past few days.

He says he feels "broken"

 

[TheLionKing]

It is possible to have a silent heart attack and it show up on the EKG. It is also possible that the EKG may suggest a heart attack and none occurred. Whenever one looks at a test result, one has to take into account what is the pre test likelihood of disease.

For example if a 60 year old diabetic man, who smokes, has high blood pressure and a family history of premature coronary artery disease has an EKG done and shows a suggestion of a heart attack, it is more likey to be true than if it is an EKG done in a premenopausal women with no cardiac risk factors.

It does require further investigation and follow up, but this may not involve any testing depending upon factors which you cannot go into detail here.

 

[CRB#33]

Thank you so much everyone and for your input Dave! I appreciate you taking the time to reply Dave.

I guess it's a wait and see with the cardiologist.