logo
Here's how I've stayed healthy since my heart attack

Here's how I've stayed healthy since my heart attack

The first presentiment of something not quite right was some breathlessness when I stood to wrestle something from the aircraft's overhead luggage rack. And then, as I made my way through Perth airport it felt like I was walking up a down elevator. I ascribed it to a touch of anxiety about long-haul flights (never liked them). And so I downed a large Bacardi at an airport bar and nipped outside for a smoke … just to calm everything down and re-capture my equilibrium, you understand.
By the time I reached Melbourne to be greeted by our Clare, I couldn't lift my own luggage. 'Dad, you're as grey as death,' she said. 'I think I should take you to hospital.'
Read more Kevin McKenna:
'Behave yourself,' I replied. 'It'll be a touch of that thrombosis everyone gets on these flights. It'll sort itself out.' For the first few nights I was staying at the apartment of my friend David Dick, then an executive at the Melbourne Age and now editor of the Daily Record. There's a picture of me somewhere on Facebook at his place, sipping a large glass of red wine just an hour later.
It was only when I went to bed that it occurred to me this could be something serious. I began to feel some unruly activity in my chest and realised that this wasn't good at all. Worse: it was probably too late to do anything about it and that I should probably accept my fate and ask God's forgiveness for being a daft fud.
I also made a mental inventory of all those people I'd hurt or slighted and asked for mercy. And then I made my peace with those with whom I still had some unresolved issues. What with all that and three Hail Marys, a Glory Be and an Our Father I might yet have a wee chance of a fair hearing should I wake up dead in the morning.
Fortunately (or not, depending on your point of view) I woke in the land of the living and my daughter immediately whisked me to St Vincent's Hospital in downtown Melbourne. They took one look at me and began kitting me out in the hospital gear and a drip. I love Australians' propensity for plain speaking. 'How did you not know you'd had a heart attack,' asked the consultant, astonished that I hadn't immediately popped in following the flight.
Glaswegians also like to speak plainly. 'Well, not having ever had a heart attack, how was I supposed to know,' I asked him. It's not as though I'd had the falling-down-while-clutching-your-chest type of event you see on the telly. After the scans and a wee angiogram they concluded I didn't need the hacksaw and staples routine. Some tablets and a couple of stents would do the trick.
'Is it because I'm quite a healthy specimen that I don't need a bypass,' I asked the consultant. 'No, it's because you're one lucky b****** and you need to be taking better care of yourself,' he said.
And besides, he pointed out, there was some old scarring on an artery, indicating I'd had some kind of 'cardio event' several years ago. It was only later that I learned that many of the male McKennas have been going down like skittles with heart failure since we first got off the boat from Ireland in the 1890s. My Glasgow consultant would later tell me that, in all probability, I was destined to get a heart attack at some point and that getting it when I was 'relatively' young and 'relatively' fit was preferable to falling over later in life.
I was working for The Observer at this time and they were keen that I write one of those arse-clenching pieces about kindness and being more appreciative of wur planet. But that's not really me. So they settled instead for a lighter, self-mocking piece about my delinquent life choices.
Read more Kevin McKenna:
'Give us your blueprint for surviving a heart attack ten years on,' absolutely no-one has ever said. But here it is anyway. My handy lifestyle guide to living responsibly after a heart attack.
Alcohol. Rather than deny yourself the delights of the swally, maybe try putting an extra slice of fruit in your gins, vodkas and Bacardis.
Kevin McKenna won't deprive himself of time in the pub. (Image: Newsquest)
Sex. When men write about sex there are no good outcomes, but the doctors kept mentioning it. So, based on anecdotal research among other heart attack survivors, I'd advise using the approach favoured by our international football team. Just leave all the fancy stuff to the continentals and only venture over the halfway line when absolutely necessary.
Pray. If you're an atheist, don't kid on you don't get worried you've backed the wrong horse whenever you start feeling fragile and vulnerable. My Godless chums always ask for proof of The Almighty's existence. But if you're ever in a life-threatening situation, can you be absolutely sure he DOESN'T exist? So try a bit of praying now and again.
Swearing. Do lots of this. And if you recoil at the use of profanities, get over yourself. Read these f***ing sentences aloud minus these f***ing asterisks. You'll feel better for it. Try to be a decent c*** and not a w***er. You only get one f***ing shot at this, so stop f***ing around. There: that's better, isn't it?
Silence. We're always told to share our problems and open up more as a means of mental self-medication. B*******. You'll just worry about over-sharing and that'll make you more anxious. If you want to unburden yourself, get a dog.
Be cardio-smart. You're going to have a dickie ticker for the rest of your life, so turn it into an asset. Need to make a last-minute cancellation for a party or an event full of sanctimonious rockets discussing climate change and pronouns? Just use your heart condition. To add depth to your little white lie, memorise all the terminology around heart health: the arteries, the valves, the ventricles and all the other tubes and chambers. If you're really desperate, just say you need to have another cheeky wee stent put in. I'm up to about six, but I've only got the two.
It's the wee changes that make all the difference. When you're in the pub, choose a seat furthest away from the bar and volunteer to fetch all the rounds. That way you can get in your 10k steps a week in no time.
Kevin McKenna is a Herald writer and columnist. He is Features Writer of the Year and writes regularly about the working-class people and communities of Scotland
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Donald Trump diary reveals exact time of Keir Starmer summit and arrival in Aberdeen
Donald Trump diary reveals exact time of Keir Starmer summit and arrival in Aberdeen

Daily Record

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Record

Donald Trump diary reveals exact time of Keir Starmer summit and arrival in Aberdeen

EXCLUSIVE: A US website lists the President's official events on the penultimate day of his trip to Scotland President Trump will hold a summit with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 12.30pm today before flying to Aberdeen. ‌ Details of the Republican President 's itinerary have been published on the website in the US. ‌ Trump is more than half way through a five day trip to Scotland after landing at Prestwick airport on Friday night. ‌ He has been playing golf at his Turnberry course and will hold political meetings until he departs on Tuesday. According to the website, he will greet Starmer at noon. The pair will hold 'bilateral' discussions at 12.30 where tariffs, a US/UK trade deal and Gaza will be on the agenda. ‌ Trump will depart for Aberdeen at 3.45pm before arriving in the city at 5.25pm, where he will stay at his second golf club on the Menie estate in Aberdeenshire. This is a breaking news story - we'll bring you updates, pictures and video as it happens. ‌ Here you can get your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Daily Record, Sunday Mail and Record Online. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. You can also check out our social media channels for live us on Twitter @Record_Politics for the latest news. Or you can catch all the action by following our team: @paulhutcheon, @andrewjquinn97 and @dennynews. We're on Facebook where you can join our Record Politics group for all our stories.

Scots beauty spot compared to 'Skid Row' as rowdy tourists drink and party
Scots beauty spot compared to 'Skid Row' as rowdy tourists drink and party

Daily Record

time12 hours ago

  • Daily Record

Scots beauty spot compared to 'Skid Row' as rowdy tourists drink and party

The site has been branded 'Skid Row' by furious locals as it has been invaded by tourists who camp beside the water and party through the night A picturesque Scottish site, Loch of Clunie in Perthshire, has been dubbed "Skid Row" as it's been overrun by unruly tourists indulging in alcohol-fuelled parties and criminal activities. ‌ The once tranquil spot has suffered from over-tourism in recent years, with party-goers flocking to camp by the water. ‌ Local residents have voiced their concerns about antisocial behaviour, including violence and littering. ‌ Some visitors have even brought along generators, gazebos and a flatbed truck equipped with its own fresh water supply for camping and outdoor enjoyment. However, the constant blaring of loud music throughout the night and drunken misbehaviour has resulted in locals being subjected to physical and verbal abuse, reports the Scottish Daily Express. ‌ Perth and Kinross Council have been accused of not doing enough to discourage troublemakers from wreaking havoc in the scenic area. Reports of nudity and drug use have also surfaced, with campers neglecting to clean up their rubbish after overnight stays. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. ‌ Local resident Emma Crichton told the BBC: "Earlier this month there was a flatbed truck with a fresh water supply on it for three generations of campers who were there for 10 days with a generator with loud music. "I have people wandering into my garden asking if they can park there, people coming in and asking if they can use my loo. We have people having raves, it's like a music festival. I'm not a shrinking violet. I like a drink and I like loud music, but it's intolerable and I don't feel safe." Rangers have increased patrols in the area, collecting discarded items such as soiled nappies and a hypodermic needle. The locale typically teems with visitors between October or whenever the sun makes an appearance. ‌ Ms Crichton criticised the council and police response, stating: "Some of the rangers have been doing the job since before I got there so they know the area well and they're very invested in it. Every time I make a complaint, I'm told there's no law being broken. I cannot accept that." Negative feedback has also appeared on the Loch Clunie Facebook page, including a recent post from a man who visited the loch with his 10 year old daughter. He penned: "It was like Skid Row. Drunks everywhere - one or two being quite aggressive. Rubbish everywhere. Maybe half a dozen cars abandoned with parking tickets on them. Stayed for five minutes and left." Strathtay Councillor Ian James described the situation as an "absolute nightmare" for local residents. He commented that they were "putting up with loud music and drunken behaviour. Although it's a beautiful area, it's just not a nice place to be when it's like that." ‌ He alleged that a friend of his had been stabbed after requesting people not to camp in his garden. He added: "If this was Perth city centre, we'd have the police turning up and everybody would be trying their best to stop it, but this is in the countryside so it's unseen by most." A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council has stated that the local authority is keen for both visitors and residents to enjoy areas such as Loch of Clunie in a "safe, responsible and courteous manner". The spokesperson further added: "Parking attendants patrol the clearways, issuing guidance and penalty notices as appropriate. "We fully recognise the community's ongoing concerns about repeated incidents of irresponsible camping near residential properties. Given the understandable feelings of vulnerability and anxiety this has caused, we have advised residents not to engage directly with visitors and to report any threatening behaviour to Police Scotland." A representative from Police Scotland said: "We understand the impact anti-social behaviour and disorder has on the local community, and we would like to thank locals who continue to bring these incidents to our attention. Officers continue to work with local partners to address any concerns in the area, and where criminality is established, those responsible will be dealt with appropriately."

Shocking moment Ryanair passenger sobs & hits door after being stopped from boarding as her ‘hand luggage was too big'
Shocking moment Ryanair passenger sobs & hits door after being stopped from boarding as her ‘hand luggage was too big'

Scottish Sun

time19 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Shocking moment Ryanair passenger sobs & hits door after being stopped from boarding as her ‘hand luggage was too big'

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THIS is the shocking moment a female Ryanair passenger is left sobbing on her knees after being banned from boarding her flight. The tearful woman was left hitting a door in an emotional outburst as airport staff reportedly told her that her hand luggage was too big. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 A female Ryanair passenger was filmed crying and begging on her knees to be allowed to board a plane after staff banned her over her luggage Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov 6 She was left screaming, sobbing and venting her frustration over Ryanair's strict baggage policy Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov 6 Footage shows her trying to force her bag into the luggage rack by slamming it in after being told she had to pay extra Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov 6 Onlookers were also shocked by how the staff treated her with next to no compassion Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov Chaos unfolded at Sofia Airport in Bulgaria when the woman was left screaming, sobbing and venting her frustration over Ryanair's strict baggage policy. A packed flight was due to board a bus to their plane when the female passenger was stopped in the queue. Nikolay Stefanov, a witness to the shocking ordeal, said the woman was told she had to pay for extra baggage because her luggage didn't fit in the holdall. The woman refused to pay as she explained her bag could in fact fit. Footage shows her trying to force her bag into the luggage rack by slamming it in. The bag does eventually fit but the staff still refuse to let her board. She then breaks down in tears as she pleads with a member of the border police and takes a video of the bag which is now wedged inside the rack. Dozens of the passengers were seen watching on from behind a glass door which was all that separated them from the weeping woman. Determined to board, she then starts to bang on the door and ask for help as Nikolay films the sad ordeal. More staff quickly surround the woman as her begging grows louder. Moment Brit woman is dragged off Ryanair flight & thrown to floor after 'assaulting passengers and making bomb threat' At one point she even drops to her knees before placing her hand on the door as tears roll down her face. Nikolay said the whole situation "escalated quickly". He added: "She was pleading with us not to leave, but we were threatened that the entire flight would be cancelled if we didn't get on the bus, so passengers became frightened and left." Nikolay said many onlookers were also shocked by how the staff treated her with next to no compassion. It has also been claimed that another passenger stood behind the woman in line was removed from the flight. A Ryanair staff member allegedly said that they couldn't let him on because "reopening the gate risked the woman trying to get on the bus". The viral footage soon caught the eye of Bulgaria's parliament. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadjov has reportedly ordered an inspection of the airport's security cameras. Mr Karadjov is even said to have described the behaviour of employees in the video as "outrageous", reports. He has assured people that the main ground operator will be found and given the "highest fine" and a verbal warning. In response, Goldair Handling Bulgaria insisted their employees acted "professionally and without any physical contact with the passenger". The handling company released a statement to BNT News that read: "All rules regarding passengers' baggage, its permissible size and the fees payable for baggage are determined solely, entirely and unilaterally by the airlines. "Goldair Handling Bulgaria OOD is solely obliged to monitor compliance with these rules by the airlines. "This also applies to hand luggage, as Goldair Handling Bulgaria OOD is obliged to monitor the dimensions of this baggage and collect excess baggage fees. "[Staff] acted professionally and without any physical contact with the passenger." It comes as Ryanair's CEO is considering increasing bonuses paid to staff for spotting oversized luggage. The budget airline currently pays staff approximately €1.50 (£1.30) for stopping passengers with oversized bags from boarding the aircraft. Currently, staff bonuses for doing this are capped at €80 (£70) a month. Passengers who are unlucky enough to get caught out by the airline's staff are charged a fee of up to €75 (£65) for bringing luggage that is larger than they paid for while booking their journey. 6 The passenger was left hitting the door where the other passengers were waiting to board Credit: Facebook/Nikolay Stefanov

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store