Heart Problems

[Newcastle George]

In recent times I have, after a fair amount of exertion, been quite short of breath so, 10 days ago went to my GP who sent me for an exercise stress test Friday week ago which proved positive with some narrowing of an/the arteries. I made an appointment to see my GP again for Friday last to see what was necessary regarding treatment.

Last Tuesday and Wednesday I didn't feel all that well so at 9pm on Wednesday I had Julie take me to Emergency at the local hospital where, to cut a long story short, on Friday morning the surgeon performed an angiogram and found an artery almost closed off and inserted a 33mm stent but said that otherwise my heart was in perfect condition.

I was discharged at lunch time today and am now at home as if nothing had happened except that I am now in possession of a number of drugs to be taken for the foreseeable future.

My GP said that if I had not been as active as I am I may not have even noticed the shortness of breath so keeping quite active has paid off.

George

[supersparky]

George, It's good to hear that you were smart enough to get yourself to hospital and get things checked out. Unfortunately most of us males are too stubborn to admit it when we are a bit crook. Maybe some of us could take a lesson from this.

[Dot]

What is in the air for you men and tickers lately. Arthur, Bob and now you George? Glad all went well for you George and a good wake up call for everyone esp men. When in doubt check it out.

[norman]

Good to hear all now ok George, must of been a bit of a scare...

[T1 Terry]

Great to hear it's sorted for you and both you and the medical team were on the ball... shortness of breath after exercise is a sign eh, just getting out of bed seems to be a serious strain lately, could this be a sign.... yep, it's a sign I'm becoming a lazy bugga who just wants to sleep all day thik I'll go and have a lay down and think about that

[Kelvin12]

Terry, get it checked out, fatigue is a sign. You are in that age bracket.

Dirk

[Newcastle George]

Terry,

I will point out that I had found it very easy to nod off if not engaged in physical effort eg watching TV regardless of how interested I was in the programme.

George

[T1 Terry]

Hmmm...... maybe only getting 4hrs sleep at a time could cause it as well, but I'll go for a check up.... what sort of a check up do I need to go for? blood pressure type thing or some sort of stress test?

[Dot]

Hmmm...... maybe only getting 4hrs sleep at a time could cause it as well, but I'll go for a check up.... what sort of a check up do I need to go for? blood pressure type thing or some sort of stress test?

Prostate maybe

[Newcastle George]

Terry,

My GP sent me for a blood test which shows markers for any heart damage and a physical stress test which involved walking on a treadmill for approx. 15-20 minutes which showed some narrowing of the arteries. While in hospital my heart rate, which is normally around 60, was fluctuating rapidly between 36 and 70 which was the main reason the cardiologist decided I needed an angiogram and that if anything was found a stent was inserted while they were there. At rest now the rate is between 55 and 60 and when I did some jogging on the spot the monitor for a few minutes it only went to around 80. I am yet to give it a good test by walking up a hill at a good rate.

During the last two days of my stay in hospital I was in the care of a young nurse who brightened the days for all in the ward. She always had a smile, was extremely pleasant, even to us old farts. Nothing was too much trouble, not even playing with catheters etc.
I said to her, "You enjoy your work don't you" to which she replied "Of course I do, otherwise I wouldn't be here". I told her that it showed and that all in the ward were grateful for her enthusiasm. She had finished one shift at 10pm and started the next at 7am wearing the same happy and cheerful face shown the night before.

George