Q: What was your diagnosis?
What were you told that was the cause of your SCA?
Responses with name, age at SCA and time since
Unknown
Robyn, 57, 18 months
I have a Congenital heart defect. DORV trsnspostion, Pulmanary stenosis and VSD.
Amy, 17, 14 years
Heart attack
Dawn, 48, 3 years
Life previously was very much around work and not enjoying the things around me. I’m very much a believer in too much work and no play makes Ben have a SCA!!!
Ben, 32, 1 year 2 months
Coronary Artery Disease – blockage to LAD and CX – 5 stents fitted . Life has changed -positive life changes , more active , more aware of health style and healthy eating. Negative- More anxious about doing things and for the future. Loss of confidence, panic attacks. Sad for loss of previous more carefree life. Live for today attitude.
Michelle, 50, 1 year
Unknown
Carly, 34, 1 month
Idiopathic cardiomyopathy
Graeme, 36, 10 years
Inherited cardiomyopathy
Michelle, 43, 5 years
Not known
Joanne, 48, 23 months
Currently undergoing genetic screening, but for now (and possibly forever) it is idiopathic ventricular fibrillation.
Clare, 31, Almost 5 months.
I have an ICD and have been diagnosed with Long QT Sydrome
Natasha, 25, 4.5 years
Idiopathic SCA
Tracy, 50, 3 years
DCM & LBBB and my life is pretty much the same although I am more aware of what I eat and drink.
Lynne, 47, 21 months
Idiopathic
Amy, 30, 2 years and 8 months
Diet change and less stress
Stewart, 53, 3 years
Ventricular fibrillation caused by failing mitral valve. The paramedics finally got a heartbeat after working on me for half an hour. I arrested 3 more times in the ambulance. Didn’t regain consciousness until the following day. Very lucky!
Mark, 46, 23 years
Cardiomyopathy originally and then, after the SCA, arrhythmias were spotted.ICD inserted. Two appropriate shocks later and two corresponding driving bans have slowed me down. Full-time work isn’t possible either. So, a major shift in living style, but it’s manageable.
Andy, 51, 5 years
Heart valve replacement followed by SCA
Maureen, 68, 7 years
Originally they thought heart block gr 2 but have changed it sick sinus node. Also have chronotrophic incompetence.
Anon, 56, 15 months
Still ongoing
Joe, 52, 4 weeks
PEA SCA Extensive lung damage from extended artificial ventilation. Severe memory loss from length of time of sca. Both have had huge effect on everyday life.
Kym, 40, 3 years
Still not diagnosed. Tests still ongoing. I am waiting to see if I can continue in my job as a lone worker.
Lisa, 35, 4 months
My life really hasn’t changed at all. I wasn’t diagnosed with anything so I love my life like I normally would.
Imogen, 21, 2 years
Heart attack due to Lesions. LAD & LCx
Mark, 56, 14 months
I was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome, things have changed but I subbornly try not to change too much now
Judy, 39, 3 years
No diagnosis
Lee, 37, 5 1/2 years
Idiopathic but essentially ‘ventricular tachycardia’
Anon, 36, 11 years
Degenerative heart failure, COPD, aphasia, and many other complications after 40 mins CPR.
Brenden, 56, 4 years