Things to Take Care of After Recovery from a Heart Attack
May 24, 2022
Follow the following steps to ensure you lead a healthy lifestyle after a heart attack or the things to take care of after recovery from a heart attack.
1. When will I be able to return to my time routine?
It's natural to question if there are any guidelines to follow after a heart attack. Some people have been too concerned about their hearts as a result of well-intentioned (but incorrect) advice to 'rest and take it easy from now on.' For fear of putting their hearts under stress, some people quit their jobs, hobbies, and any activity that required exercise. Most people who recover from a heart attack, on the other hand, experience the reverse. It is normally recommended that you exercise regularly and return to your previous routine after a period of rest.
2. Returning to work
After a heart attack, the majority of people can return to work, but how quickly depends on your health, the condition of your heart, and the type of work you do.
You may be able to return to work in two weeks if your employment requires modest duties, such as working in an office. It may take several months before you can return to work if your employment requires heavy manual labour or if your heart has been severely injured.
3. Sex
Some people are concerned about resuming their sexual activities. It's probably best to skip it for a month. Returning to sexual activities should not be difficult if you can perform brisk walk without discomfort. Inform your doctor if sex is causing chest pain or discomfort.
Following a heart attack, some men experience erectile dysfunction (inability to get or sustain an erection). Emotional stress or medications like beta-blockers can both contribute to these issues. Impotence can, however, be caused by a variety of factors. Consult your doctor, who will be able to determine the source of your symptoms and provide treatment recommendations.
4. Driving
A heart attack or heart surgery can impair your driving ability for a short time.
Consult your doctor about when you can resume driving. To do so, you'll need their permission. For people who have had cardiac surgery, it may take longer, and you may need to follow special instructions. Depending on how quickly you recover, this could happen in 2 to 4 weeks.
5. Depression
Patients who have had a heart attack will experience a range of emotions for two to six months after the occurrence. Depression, as well as fear and anger, are common emotions. For example, you may be scared that the pain will return — that you will die. This is completely natural and will pass with time.. You're probably frustrated and have a "short fuse" with others because of what happened. After a heart attack, it's natural to feel resentment. Try to remember that your loved ones are just as worried as you are.
Although depression is common after a heart attack, if it interferes with sleeping, eating, or self-esteem, or if you have suicidal thoughts, you should discuss your feelings with your doctor and loved ones. Don't be hesitant to seek assistance.
1. Control your blood pressure
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, puts your heart and blood arteries under additional strain. Regular activity, a low-sodium diet, and a healthy weight can help you lose weight.
To help you regulate your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe beta-blockers. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the "bad" cholesterol that raises your risk of heart disease. Statins are commonly used to lower LDL levels.
2. Quit smoking
If you smoke, you may have contemplated stopping in the past, but after a heart attack, quitting is much more crucial. Smoking raises blood pressure and increases the risk of clotting by diminishing oxygen cells in the bloodstream. This means your heart has to work harder to pump blood and has fewer healthy oxygen cells to function properly.
Quitting now can improve your overall health and help you avoid future heart problems.
3. Eat a heart-healthy diet.
A balanced diet can help maintain cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, and body weight in check, lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease and decreasing its course if you already have it. Your doctor can advise you on how to eat a heart-healthy diet and recommend you to a nutritionist or other certified medical practitioner who can provide you with ongoing, thorough support.
4. Cardiac rehabilitation
According to the American Heart Association, this programme is aimed to enhance your heart health through medically supervised fitness training, food education, and other risk management (AHA). It also teaches how to deal with stress, which can help prevent despair and anxiety after a heart attack. Working with people that are trained in heart attack recovery might also make you feel more secure.
5. Control diabetes and weight
They're both significant risk factors for heart disease and heart attack. Working with your doctor to keep your blood sugar under control is crucial if you have diabetes. Exercise, a healthy diet, and, in some situations, medication can all assist.
6. Stress
Stress can have a toll on your cardiovascular system that you may be unaware of. It may be a risk factor for heart disease and can cause a heart attack. Stress management can help protect your heart. A psychologist or other skilled medical practitioner can assist you in identifying "stress busters" that work for you if you are having problems managing your stress levels.
7. Lower your cholesterol
Cholesterol plays a role in the development of atheroma. A healthy diet (as indicated above) will aid in cholesterol reduction. In addition, most people who suffer from a heart attack are prescribed a statin drug to decrease their cholesterol. Statins operate by lowering the quantity of cholesterol produced in the liver.
A heart attack does not mean that your life is over. A perfect combination of medications and lifestyle changes ensures a healthy and productive life.
