When I FIRST became aware of a heart problem, I had an "incident" that was never really NAMED. I have been told it was Cardiac Arrest. It was explained to me that anytime the heart malfunctions to the point of interrupting a person's activities, it is cardiac arrest. A heart attack is more when a person has blockage, but essentially they are one & the same....?
My symptoms came on suddenly: sweat from head to toe, (in a VERY cold room), dizziness, nausea, feeling of "about to pass out", BUT NO CHEST PAIN. Not knowing what it was (and being on a cruise ship at the time!) I did not see a doctor.
I continued to feel strange and for a couple of months had what I explained as an extra heart beat, shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. That was when I made an appt. which led to diagnosis of Cardiomyopathy and then implant of ICD.
I continue to wonder if I indeed did have a heart attack. After reading about Cardiomyopathy, I believe I did.
Anyone have these same symptoms and been told it is a heart attack?
TODAY MAKES 3 YEARS SINCE THE INCIDENCE! I THANK GOD THAT I'M HERE TO TELL IT!
Bless y'all!
Sunshine in 3D ;)
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Heart Attack same as Cardiac Arrest with Cardiomyopathy?
- By sunshine3D
- Posted June 17, 2009 at 11:52 am · 7 replies
- In My heart disease - diagnosis and symptoms
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Heart failure Dizziness Sweating Cardiomyopathy Pain Pacemaker Heart attack Stress
7 replies
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- By laurali
- Posted June 17, 2009 at 12:05 pm
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Hi Sunshine! My understanding is that "heart attack" is not really a scientific term. If someone's arteries are blocked it's one thing, I believe that's usually called MI. My event, like yours, was not in the pump's plumbing but rather in the electrical system. My arteries are completely clear and I also did not have pain. Mine started with just collapsing while walking in the park one day. Then I awoke in the middle of the night and could feel no pulse. 911, ER, implant of ICD followed. I also have cardiomyopathy. Most people don't understand the difference in the two and automatically assume that I didn't watch my cholestrol! I'm like you -- I don't care what you call it, I'm just glad to still be here 3 years later!! Take care. Hugs, laurali
- By Linda_RS
- Posted June 18, 2009 at 9:44 am
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I actually had no signs of heart problems before my "event", April 23, 2009. In fact, I had a stress test last year and learned that I was in good shape. I ate well and exercised regularly.
When I presented to the ER, I was told that I was having a heart attack. I was at work when I experienced dizziness, sweating, and chest pain. I had a friend drop me off at the hospital. In the midst of a catherization, it was discovered that I had no blockages, but I fell into breathing problems. It was then that I understand that they realized that I had stress-induced cardiomyopathy. You see, I don't remember much at that point, I woke up 4 days later in Critical Cardiac Care.
- By kathymr
- Posted June 19, 2009 at 9:08 am
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I had a similar experience almost 5 years ago. While walking a lot while sightseeing I suddenly couldn't breath, had mild chest pain, stomach upset, sweating and neck pain. After several tests and a cath, I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy with no blockages. I asked the cardio doc if I had a heart attack and he said no since I had no damage. It was just some sort of "event" with no name.
Heart hugs, Kathy
- By eviefor3
- Posted June 20, 2009 at 12:59 am
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i don't know if this helps, but it's wikipedia's definition of cardiac arrest.
i think that's more than just interfering with one's activities (unless you are talking about the heart's activites in which case it would certainly interfere with that, even if just temporarily).
A cardiac arrest, also known as cardiopulmonary arrest or circulatory arrest, is the abrupt cessation of normal circulation of the blood due to failure of the heart to contract effectively during systole.[1]
A cardiac arrest is different from (but may be caused by) a heart attack or myocardial infarction, where blood flow to the still-beating heart, is interrupted (as in cardiogenic shock).
"Arrested" blood circulation prevents delivery of oxygen to all parts of the body. Cerebral hypoxia, or lack of oxygen supply to the brain, causes victims to lose consciousness and to stop normal breathing, although agonal breathing may still occur. Brain injury is likely if cardiac arrest is untreated for more than 5 minutes,[2] although new treatments such as induced hypothermia have begun to extend this time.[3][4] To improve survival and neurological recovery immediate response is paramount.[5]
Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that, in certain groups of patients, is potentially reversible if treated early enough (See "Reversible causes" below). When unexpected cardiac arrest leads to death this is called sudden cardiac death (SCD).[1] The primary first-aid treatment for cardiac arrest is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (commonly known as CPR) which provides circulatory support until availability of definitive medical treatment, which will vary dependent on the rhythm the heart is exhibiting, but often requires defibrillation.
good luck
evie
- By houston
- Posted June 23, 2009 at 10:34 am
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What exactly is cardomyopathy? How do they treat it?
- By sunshine3D
- Posted June 23, 2009 at 12:13 pm
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Cardiomyopathy is a weakening of the "heart muscle", causes (like mine) are sometimes unknown. It makes the heart function either too slow or too fast, which, left untreated can be fatal. Because of the Ejection Fracture being too low, (when the blood flows back into the body), the heart will try to compensate function by working very hard, which can cause passing out and other symptoms of heart failure.
That's my description! You can look it up online under WebMD or Cardiomyopathy Association websites to get a more scientific definition!
I was diagnosed 3 years ago. Last August, an ICD (Implantable Cardiac Defibrilator - mine also is a pacemaker) was placed in my heart. It is my "personal paramedic!
Blessings.................
Sunshine in 3D
- By vcastile
- Posted July 8, 2009 at 3:25 pm
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I too had an "event" in Feb. 09. I waited 6 days to go see a doctor. Upon the insistence of my childen, I finally went. After a short examination, he said I needed to go to the hospital immediately!!.. To sum up, I had never been sick, overweight, never smoked, low blood pressure, but I had cardiomyopathy, heart failure, left bundle branch blockage and EF of 15-20%!!
I am now wearing a Life Cor Vest which is a heart moniter with a defibrillator and have been since Feb. I am scheduled to have a CRT Device implanted July 22. Can't wait! Hopefully I will start feeling better! If anyone has any thoughts I would appreciate the help!!
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