Husband had a heart attack

[Lisa248]

Hi my husband was told by our local hospital that he had a heart attack after tests then was refered to Auckand City hospital under going an MRI and the found no evidence but diognositic was a virus that may come back everytime he has the flu but they stated he had inflammation of the heart... Did my husband have a heart attack and if the virus was the case is there anything we can do to prevent this happening again as it was obviously a dramatic experience... (he is now on no medication) Lisa

[kenkeith]

Lisa, you are welcome.

[Lisa248]

Thank you very much for your info was very helpful.

Lisa

[kenkeith]

There is nothing posted that your husband had a heart attack other than something said.  If there had been a heart attack of any significance the echo would indicate a low cardiac output due to damaged heart wall muscles that can't contract effectively....there would be symptoms if serious such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pains, etc. Only a doctor can tell you if your husband has had a heart attack, and that would be based on tests, symptoms, health history, etc.

[Lisa248]

Thanks

So does this mean he had a heart attack?

Lisa

[kenkeith]

An echo has ruled out heart muscle damage and/or any reduced cardiac output apparently. You decison on what you should do may depend on your husband's symptoms if any.  If you are stressed over the medical care, you may wish to see a specialist, but from the information provided there isn't anything to be concerned over.

[Lisa248]

Hi thanks for the reply, he did have an echo but all tests responded with no damage although timing was an issue as he did have to wait a week in hospital for the MRI. It has now been over two weeks since admission do you think its worth having a specialist look over everything as what the doctors have given us is "your fine now good luck" Lisa

[kenkeith]

It would be helpful to have more information.  For some insight, if there had a been a heart attack (MI), there would be heart cell damage.  When damaged the heart cells become ineffective in the ability to contract the heart wall to pump adequate blood to the system.  

Yes, virus can damage the heart wall muscle as well as pericarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart) resticting the heart's ability to relax sufficiently enough to fill the chamber with blood.

An echocardiogram can provide information regarding heart wall movement, the amount of blood pumped with each heart beat (ejection fraction...normal is 50 to 70%).  Also, heart wall sizes would be helpful.

Thanks for sharing, and if you have any further questions feel welcome to respond.  Take care.