At 47, I never thought I would be sharing news that I had a heart attack. But that is what happened just over five months ago. It has been difficult to talk about until now but I wanted to share so that my experience can hopefully ensure others get the help they need, but also to remove some of the fear many naturally have about heart disease.

The first sign I had that something was wrong was a numbness in my left arm. As the sensation grew, I realised my upper chest was increasingly feeling tight with a growing pressure on my upper back. Embarrassingly, despite working many years ago with the British Heart Foundation so I knew the traditional signs of a heart attack I was still very hesitant calling the emergency services. I recall apologising to the wonderful paramedics and staff, worried I might be wasting their time. I initially was taken to Watford General and then moved to Harefield Hospital but I don’t think the enormity of nearly dying really hit me until I was lying down, mid-operation, having a stent fitted.

The care in the hospital and the subsequent cardiac rehabilitation programme was phenomenal and full of compassion. The psychological impact can be as challenging as the physical impact. The heart attack makes you question everything. Would I ever be ‘me’ again?

I still vividly remember the first event I attended just two weeks after the heart attack. I had promised I would attend and didn’t want to let anyone down. The event was packed full of people, with the entrance in a marquee on a searing hot day. Initially, I was overwhelmed by so many people and clung to my bottle of water to keep me cool. But as I walked through chatting to stand holders and attendees, I recall my confidence returning. I felt joy that I could still do what I love doing, which is meeting people and hopefully making a difference. I made a decision at that moment that whilst I wasn’t going to be reckless with my health, that I wouldn’t let the heart attack define me or limit me.

Now, over five months later, a stone or two lighter due to better food choices and exercise, I am feeling healthier than I have been for years. My recovery is in no small part to spotting the early warning signs and the incredible support from every stage of the NHS experience. But I also want to thank my family and team for their support which meant I was able to continue delivering for Watford, with last year being the most successful yet.

I strongly recommend visiting the BHF website - https://www.bhf.org.uk

  • Dean Russell is Conservative MP for Watford