Heart attack survivors using CPAP

Has anyone out there ever had a heart attack, or had a stent or bypass and was then in a continuous exhausted state, then used CPAP successfully to gain strength back? I am hearing that it can happen. I am doing a poll for all. I would estimate that as many as 2/3 of all CPAP people are either trying to avoid or recover from a serious heart condition, as I am.


Your thoughts?

Hi SJGR,

I personally have not had heart issues, but I have done a number of sleep studies on post bypass patients.

From what I have observed, the cpap therapy helps very much.

I had a heart attack with 2 stints and a second go at it with a third stint over a 2 year period. On the last hospital stay, the night nurse asked me if I was getting treatment for my sleep apnea. To which I responded, "What sleep apnea."

Several months of doctor visits and testing later, I started CPAP. Like many of the other folks on this site, it took several painful tries to find a mask that I could manage wear and still sleep. After at least 4 months of agony, for some strange reason I have been able to sleep all night with CPAP.

I have been CPAP compliant for the last 3 months and feel much better. The last nuclear stress test shows no blockages.

The diet, medication and exercise did not seem to make as much improvement as the last few months with CPAP.

Johnb

WOW! What great news, Johnb!

I'm due for a physical today as my first follow-up after going on CPAP. I know for sure my blood pressure is down and I'm feeling great. Now if I can get the ok to add exercise and then manage to watch my diet........but one step at a time. It was good to hear that, for you, the CPAP was a giant step towards good health. Thanks for the post!

This therapy WORKS!!

I had a heart incident a few times as well. also had atrial fib. Have not had one problem since getting on cpap six months ago!

I am having a thallium nuclear stress test on June 16th. Cardiologist finally ''listening" to me (typical female patient over 50, we're used to that ''blank'' look from doc's who think we are hypo's, neurotic (may be a side issue). But rapid heart rate, and some other symptoms, finally got the heart doc off the dime to order me a test. I'll see how it goes. He said he ''was happy'' I had a sleep study, and doing apap therapy. (like it was his idea..).

Bypass surgery is quite a miracle, but one must recuperate at their own pace.
Stent a little less so........



[quote="sjgr33"]Has anyone out there ever had a heart attack, or had a stent or bypass and was then in a continuous exhausted state, then used CPAP successfully to gain strength back? I am hearing that it can happen. I am doing a poll for all. I would estimate that as many as 2/3 of all CPAP people are either trying to avoid or recover from a serious heart condition, as I am.


Your thoughts?