So, I had a heart attack....

[Mr. MacDougall]

I had a heart attack early Sunday morning. And I almost didn't go to the hospital, because my symptoms were atypical... instead of feeling like I had "bands around my chest" or "an elephant sitting on my chest" (two things one often hears), I felt like the Alien was in there, and he wanted to get out.

When I realized that it was keeping me awake, I figured that crossed the threshold of "need to go see a doctor," so I went to the ED, and they confirmed that I was having a heart attack.

The thing is, I'm a relatively young fellow, barely into my 40s. If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone here. And I'd like to say many of us could stand some lifestyle improvements, but rather than stand on that soap box, I'll just say, hey... if you start feeling like maybe something's wrong with you, see a doctor... 'cause it could be serious.

[Mael Coluim]

You indeed were smart to head to the emergency room. All the best in your recovery.

[Frank McGrath]

Chest pain brought me to my knees in the shop one day. I worked the rest of the day then drove the 40 miles home to wait for my wife to get there. We called the doctor and were sent to the local hospital. I took a shower and went to the ER. I was lucky and got in early so I only had to sit for 3 hours. Given Nitro and a milk of magnesia while I waited. and waited. Ended up spending the night in CCU tied to the monitor. Stress test the nest day revealed that I had indigestion. But.....Oh what a scare. Watch your cholesterol, and get excercise. I hope no one ever has to go thru that ordeal.

[McMurdo]

My thoughts are with you, I guess one never knows, all the best good luck with the recovery.

[MacLowlife]

Best of luck in your recovery. Consider me warned.

[Riverkilt]

Yikes! Glad you're okay.

Feeling stupid myself...years of first aid training and stroke training and stared right at an elderly coworker who was telling me he couldn't talk and I just assumed he had a sore throat like everyone else. Someone wiser than I figured out he'd had a stroke and got him to the hospital.

Its so hard to accept reality sometimes....even when we know.

[greenman11]

Save for heredity or genetic anomoly as the reason, you will find cholesterol is a mean mistress and the greatest cause of heart stress. Shut off the blood supply to the heart and it gets mad. Change your diet, take your meds, exercise or you will get wonderful week stay in hospital and your sternum split. The triple bypass at 55 was an eye opener.

Good luck,

[robthehiker]

Get well soon Mr. MacDougall.

[Detroitpete]

MAN! Hang in there and do everything they tell you to do. Our thoughts are with you.

[pdcorlis]

Kripes - that will get your attention! I'm glad to hear your outcome was pretty good for such a dire situation. Since you are such a young man, I hope lifestyle changes can reduce or eliminate your risk for any recurrence.

Be Well.