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Lainy,
My dad had his first heart attack at 42.  He's still alive and complaining daily at 72 today.

It's OK.  He's gonna have to change his lifestyle, I'd imagine:  pay attention to what he eats, stop smoking (if he does), etc., but the prognosis should be good. 

Real is right:  they wouldn't have let him home if it wasn't safe to do so.

I know this is scary, though, and you must be thinking that things will never be the same, but you just need to get past this messy period right now, and things will settle down.

Go help yourself to a nice calming drink of your favorite variety.  You deserve it!!
Lori
Hi Lainy....

Not something I know a lot about... I did used to work with a man who was suffering from chronic heart failure... I didn't know about it for months... til someone told me.  He was the Director of Operations at the hospital.. he was a brilliant director of operations.. . he was a man on a mission.

His was severe, and he had been given a "time"..

I'd say the British Heart Foundation website is your best bet for some proper information...

I had a quick look... this is a link to their page on Heart Failure - 

link here

Dirtyprettygirlthing
How frightening for you lainy. All I can say is that an overactive thyroid does put strain on the heart, because basically if it is over active it makes the heart speed up and overwork. If the docs think this is the cause, your OH should be given beta blockers to slow things down. He will then be given meds for his heart condition, watch his diet, blood pressure etc. As Lori says, once he is on the correct treatment, things will improve and he will be watched closely to make sure he doesn't get any worse. Hope this helps a little. x
ML
Reference:
How frightening for you lainy. All I can say is that an overactive thyroid does put strain on the heart, because basically if it is over active it makes the heart speed up and overwork. If the docs think this is the cause, your OH should be given beta blockers to slow things down. He will then be given meds for his heart condition, watch his diet, blood pressure etc. As Lori says, once he is on the correct treatment, things will improve and he will be watched closely to make sure he doesn't get any worse. Hope this helps a little. x repor
lainy m
Reference:
Blizzie offline 10257 Forum Posts Today at 02:44 (Edited: ) lainy! I don't know enough about it to be of any help, but I do know that they can do marvellous things nowadays. What did the hospital say?
They said he would have to stay on low dose meds(warfarin, beta blockers and stuff for his over active thyroid).....for 6 months to see if his heart gets stronger......then increase meds to the max.....then ????????????
lainy m
lainy, I had an overactive thyroid which went undiagnosed for a long time. My heart felt as if it was bursting out of my chest it was pumping so fast. I was breathless and felt basically crap. Within a couple of weeks on beta blockers, I felt back to normal (although I had forgotten what normal was). Happily if it is caused by his Thyroid disease it will not get any worse when his treatment starts to work. He will have to have his Thyroid treated, which will mean it will end up under active and then will be given thyroxine to get the balance correct. His blood pressure should drop and he will not feel so breathless. I am sure he will start to improve very soon. x
ML
The word "failure" makes it sound so terrible.
I have no idea about the thyroid aspects, but I have known people who have "heart failure" going about their business for years and years - indefinitely really (while taking medication and following doctors advice of course).
The good thing it has been detected and he can receive proper treatment for the condition. Not knowing and ignoring would have much worse.
Obviously it is scary for you, but I urge you not to think the worst
As someone has already said they would have him in hospital if they were anxious.
Heart failure might sound threatening, but with good treatment and care life will go on, and on....
Take heart lainy  and warm wishes to you both.
brisket
Yes, I understand, it is because his heart has been working too hard, because his thyroid has made things speed up, his body has been hyper so to speak - hence the medical term hyperthyroid. If his heart has been pumping at full pelt for a while damage will occur. ie. his heart is failing to work normally. The beta blockers will slow down his heart allowing it to function as it should and also give it a well earned rest! The warfarin is just to thin his blood, to prevent a clot occuring. The thyroid meds will have to be taken for a long time, until his thyroid is "killed off" and doesn't work anymore - it took 18 months for mine - and then he will take thyroxine to get it back up to a normal level. My heart is slightly damaged, but I have no symptoms now and it has not got any worse since everything was brought under control.
ML
lainy! I`m so sorry to hear this. I`m afraid I can`t add much more to the advice already given, which all sounds positive and hopeful. It`s a worrying time but try, if you can, to hold on to that.

It will be difficult but you`ll have to find a way to tell his friends and his Mum. Sharing it will help you too. You need to do that lainy, it will take the weight off your shoulders.  As for telling your son in Afghanistan, I wouldn`t, but I wouldn`t advice you not to. When does he come home?

Stay strong lainy. I`m thinking of you both.
Scotty
Lainy,big for you ,i don't think i have posted with you before,buti think sometimes when given news of that kind you come home and can't remember exactly what was said and you also realise you didn't ask the right questions.I hope you can speak to someone today,maybe your GP who will answer those questions.Your head must be all over the place,but hopefully when you have a little more knowledge you won't feel so scared,please let us know how things are going,you are not alone look how many people have been here for you even in the middle of the night.I will be thinking of you today and hoping you get your answers and that they put your mind ot rest.
Maggie xx
maggiep
Just tell them...he's been diagnosed and is now being treated. Cos he'd newly diagnosed you might just want to make a doctors appointment and see your GP who will be able to fully explain the implications for you...I know sometimes at the hospital when it's all new its hard to take in what you are being told. He should be able to put your mind at ease
Croctacus
Lainy, I'm so truly sorry to hear that. I'm afraid I cannot add much to either as it's something that I know very little about.I just wanted to give you a massive hug (((hugs))).

The only thing I would add is what others have said, get on the phone or down to your GP, book a double appointment and don't leave until your questions have been answered...
The Devil In Diamante

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