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What Causes Behavioural Changes After A Heart Attack?
Question: My husband had a triple bypass 8 days ago. Since, he has been extremely quick to anger, overly defensive, blantant lies that he believes, and majorly seeking attention with things like telling people I hit him but I was on the other side of the room. Cruel with words but shortly after acts like nothing happened. He is pushing me away when at the hospital I couldn't go to another floor or he got uptight. When I mention going back home to the kid's because his surgery was in another city, he literally threw a tempertantrum. Please help explain this. I am hoping it is temporary. I just don't know what to do.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
I'm sorry you and your husband are going through such a difficult time. Let me give you my thoughts.
This could actually be quite a serious matter, one that I would bring to your surgeon or doctor's attention immediately. Behavioral changes after a heart attack could indicate delirium, a stroke (particularly to the frontal lobes), or an adverse reaction to medication. All of these conditions require immediate attention. This is not simply grumpiness -- a serious medical condition needs to be ruled out here.
For all of the above serious possibilities, again, I would contact his surgeon or doctor immediately.
Please remember to rate and close this answer if you find it satisfactory.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
I'm sorry you and your husband are going through such a difficult time. Let me give you my thoughts.
This could actually be quite a serious matter, one that I would bring to your surgeon or doctor's attention immediately. Behavioral changes after a heart attack could indicate delirium, a stroke (particularly to the frontal lobes), or an adverse reaction to medication. All of these conditions require immediate attention. This is not simply grumpiness -- a serious medical condition needs to be ruled out here.
For all of the above serious possibilities, again, I would contact his surgeon or doctor immediately.
Please remember to rate and close this answer if you find it satisfactory.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
He had his heart attack 7 years ago. He has been on the medications since he had a stent put in. He had to bypass due to sever blockages and the only medication new is the insulin and he has been on the for a month before his surgery and had not changes in behaviour so it seems that this might be a little more serious than changing medication. My difficulty is telling his doctors. I have to move out before I do that because I truly fear his reaction. He has already thrown is back into me and threatened to punch me in the face. Thank you for you assistance.
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
You're very welcome. Keep your safety your top priority. And remember, you always have the option of calling 911, and if necessary the paramedics will force your husband to come into the ER for an evaluation. This may be the safest thing for you to do.
Please remember to rate and close this answer.
Dr. Sheppe
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
You're very welcome. Keep your safety your top priority. And remember, you always have the option of calling 911, and if necessary the paramedics will force your husband to come into the ER for an evaluation. This may be the safest thing for you to do.
Please remember to rate and close this answer.
Dr. Sheppe
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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