My mother-in-law recently had what she thought was a heart attack, but wasn't. She was told that she has an "upper hernia" on her heart, and that a massive heart attack is likely iminent. But neither of us can find any answers as to what exactly this condition is, or what it entails. This is kind of scary for everyone, especially since her first husband (my fiance's father), died of a heart attack when their children were little (my fiance was only 4.)
Does anyone know anything about this? She's slightly worried that it might be even more serious than the doctor is letting on, and that he's only using this term to hide it. I doubt this, but . . .
Please, anyone know what this is? Know of any sites that might have answers? We all appreciate it!
2007-02-05 13:33:45 · 5 answers · asked by pernrider480 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
When something is herniated, that means there is a hole or a tear in it. If her heart is torn or has a hole in it, it may not be able to pump enough blood to itself (of efficiently to the rest of your body for that matter).
A heart attack occurs when the heart is incapable of pumping enough blood through the coronary arteries, which are the arteries that supply the heart muscle with oxygen rich blood. It could be for many reasons, including your mother in laws condition.
2007-02-05 13:45:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of the best online medical resources is www.webmd.com That would be a good place to start. I have not heard of an upper hernia before but at the same time I am not discounting that it is possible. If you feel like you are not getting a straight answer from your doctor, another alternative is to seek the opinion and advice of another doctor. Good luck to your mother-in-law, I know that this can be a stressful time for everyone.
2007-02-05 13:43:39 · answer #2 · answered by Wynno 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out www.righthealth.com and type heart hernia in their search engine. It has several stories/articles about this condition. Also along the right side is another site called www.JustAnswer.com where you can get online info from Doctors and specialists about heart conditions.
There are others here too. Check it out.
2007-02-05 14:19:46 · answer #3 · answered by Deb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have any idea of what the problem might really be; however, I have congestive heart failure and wear a defilibrator. I suggest that she secure an appointment with a well recommended cardiologist for a thorough examination and diagnosis.
2007-02-05 13:43:50 · answer #4 · answered by Sunshine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a second, even a third opinion. I went in ER thought I was having a heart attack, and it was muscles tightening on and around my chest, do to stress.
2007-02-05 16:26:42 · answer #5 · answered by Peppermint Patti 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋