How to survive a heart attack

Two men walk into A&E with chest pains — but only one survives. The difference? Their first few minutes in hospital...

ONE HOUR 50 MINUTES LATER

Brenda and our three sons, Lee, 28, danny, 26, and Michael, 20, are waiting for me in the recovery room. Some of my friends have turned up, too, so there is quite a crowd.

It is an emotional moment, though I’m cracking jokes.

Brenda tells me the colour has come back into my face and I look completely different.

I feel as if I’m back to my old self, though I’m very tired and a little emotional.

TWO HOURS 50 MINUTES LATER

I am taken to the cardiac ward to recover.

23 HOURS LATER

a Specialist cardiac nurse comes to talk to me about my lifestyle and asks whether I smoke.

I tell her I gave up years ago and that my diet is good — Brenda is a great cook and we eat homecooked meals most of the time, but we do have the odd takeaway.

I’ve always been the average weight for my height and I’m not a big eater.

I’m advised to cut down on salt and sugar.

A DAY LATER

dr Smith comes in to check on my progress. I’m hooked up to the ECG and blood pressure monitors and the readings look good.

TWO-AND-A-HALF DAYS LATER

after the morning ward round, I’m given permission to go home.

Before I leave, the cardiac nurse makes sure I have all the right medications. I’ve been prescribed a statin — atorvastatin — as well as daily low-dose aspirin and potassium pills to help keep my heart rhythm steady.

the cardiac nurse asks if I would like to go on a rehabilitation programme and whether I would prefer to go to Hillingdon Hospital or Harefield. I choose Hillingdon as it’s just around the corner from my home.

FOUR WEEKS LATER

I GO to my first outpatient appointment to have my heart and cholesterol monitored.

EIGHT WEEKS LATER

I Start the six-week rehabilitation programme, which involves exercise classes once a week at the hospital and afterwards a talk on lifestyle and nutrition. I decide to swap sugar for sweeteners. after passing with flying colours, I decide to take up cycling, which is a lowimpact aerobic exercise.

THREE MONTHS LATER

I Have my follow-up appointment with dr Smith at Harefield Hospital. He says that I’ve recovered well and could be discharged into the care of my Gp.

ONE YEAR LATER

I StILL see my Gp every four months for ECGS, blood tests and cholesterol tests.

He also checks my medication is working well.

In June 2013, my sons and I take part in the London to Brighton bike ride — around 54 miles — to raise money for the British Heart foundation.

TODAY, FOUR YEARS ON

All these years since the heart attack and I’m feeling great. I still see my Gp every four months just to make sure all is well.

this year I plan to cycle from Windsor to London to raise money for the British Heart foundation.

I feel so lucky I received such excellent care from the NHS — it has given everything to me and I want to give something back.