Stressed Induced Cardiomyopathy

In no particular order, although I'm listing an often dismissed or overlooked, or refused important one first:
1. Daily exercise - there is abundant scientific literature extolling the virtues of walking, jogging, swimming, hiking, X-country snowshoeing, X-country skiing, some moderate weight/resistance training....at a minimum of every other day. Five days a week would be great. It clears the mind, oxygenates everything, lubricates everything, and cognition and memory improve as a result. This helps if;
2. You are procrastinating or denying a problem and have put it off with the hope that it will get better. You KNOW what it is, although people with integrity who truly love you will probably be able to tell you what it is;
3. You have a mistreated, misdiagnosed, or unresponsive medical condition that makes you ill and that builds an inflammatory response. It might degrade oxygen supply due to its effect on your heart or cause other degradation. You may need to see a new physician or subject matter expert for a new opinion with new diagnostics;
4. Keeping a journal works for people with protracted unease and who have trouble with emotions or dealing with realities that are almost too much to bear. Formulating word strings that help you to flesh out, to characterize, or to otherwise describe something, even just 'to name it', sometimes help to 'spit it out;' and
5. Seeking the services of a good therapist helps some to deal with stress. A facilitator with professional skills can help us to articulate what is eating at us, and from there you will probably know what to do.

Sometimes just embarking on a plan, executing it, even if we understand that things won't be fixed soon, goes a long way to reducing stress. Once we devise a plan to begin turning things around, it can make all the difference in the world. Your days and mood will lift and be brighter, especially as you begin to discern small improvements. This, in turn, will build confidence in your approach and self-confidence for yourself. Maybe even more self-respect.

Note that I have no professional training as a counsellor, or as a medical doctor, and barely qualify to be called a grandpa.

Welcome, @duba. You had a scary ER experience. I am glad to see you create this discussion as you recover.

I have had times when I truly thought death would be better. I didn’t know it was possible to feel so horrible and like you, came to pretty clear terms with it. We are both here now and have opportunities to make the best of each new day we get!

You mention looking for ways to reduce stress. If you are comfortable it may help others provide input if they know more about what you are specifically needing to address. From my own experience it will help you tons to learn all you can about your new diagnosis and then address your stressors one at a time. I am adding a link that may help you process your stress induced cardiomyopathy diagnosis and also address stress in general.
- Coping with a diagnosis https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/8-tips-for-coping-with-a-serious-diagnosis

I am curious about how you got to Mayo Clinic Connect and what led up to your ER experience. What recommendations did you receive, and will you see a cardiologist to learn more?

@duba
I have never heard of stress induced cardiomyopathy. Not saying it is not a cause just not familiar with it.

I have cardiomyopathy caused by a virus that got into heart and caused scarring. How did I find out. I was taking a police required stress test (SWAT) and they said I had a LBBB. I had not idea what that was nor had I had any pain, discomfort, shortness of breath, etc.

I went to a cardiologist who ordered a Catherization. That cath saw no signs of cardiovascular disease. I did have a bad virus just prior to stress test and they deemed my LBBB on cardiomyopathy.

Stress! I have had over the years tons of PVCs, and PACs. I am on medication but I am told stress and anxiety can cause the PVCs and PACs. In addition to medications I exercise 6 days a week per the okay of my cardiologist.

I have posted many times that what ever you can do to help reduce your anxiety and stress is going to help not just your physical health but mental health. What I suggest to help is find an exercise (with your doctors approval) that you like to do and do it. I do water aerobics 5 days a week, bike ride, swim. Those exercises really bring me joy and I listen to music in all of them.

Not into exercise. How about a hobby. Find something you like to do and do it.

I know many many times people have panic attacks and think heart attack as symptoms mimic heart attack. Treatment, reduce your stress and anxiety.

I take one medication escilitolopram (spell) and really has helped. I am told will be on it for life. It greatly reduced my PTSD, anxiety/panic disorder symptoms. And along with my exercise pretty much have my PTSD anxiety/panic disorder under control. I got PTSD anxiety/panic disorder after 5 shocks in 24 hours from my ICD/Pacemaker.

It seemed to also bring up my time in Vietnam and several things that happened to me as a police officer.

Discuss with your doctors about the symptoms of anxiety/panic disorder and the symptoms you experience in ER. It can be treated with medications and life style changes.

@jc76, have you ever heard of broken heart syndrome, also known as takotsubo or stress-induced cardiomyopathy? According to Mayo Clinic it is often brought on by stressful situations and extreme emotions, can also can be triggered by a serious physical illness or surgery.

- Your Heart Can Break From Stress https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/its-true-your-heart-can-break-from-stress/
- Broken Heart Syndrome Overview https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/broken-heart-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20354617

This information describes the condition as temporary, but sometimes can have symptoms that hang on. @duba, how are you feeling currently?

@jlharsh
No had not heard it before. I am treated at Mayo Jacksonville by HF and EP doctors.

I know from personal experience that anxiety/panic disorder symptoms can mimic heart attack and heart problems.

Seems the two are related in the cause is extreme stress and anxiety.

I see some of my suggestions about exercise and hobbies for stress/anxiety are for the broken heart also.

I think a serious illness or surgery would also for a lot of people come with extreme stress and anxiety. I am not a stranger to stress and anxiety. I was diagnosed at Mayo in 2015 with PTSD, and anxiety/panic disorder.

I went through consultation at physiatrist department and took several tests. My psychiatric specialist said I scored at the top number for having diagnosis for PTSD. Took me a long time (with help of my psychiatric specialist, medications, and my own commitment to alter my life style) to get back to normal activity and tremendous fear I was dealing with.