Recovering after Heart Attack.
Do not be under the impression that a Heart attack patient has to live a sedentary life throughout. He can resume his normal activities, but under the guidance and advice of his Physician. This is because the extent of his post heart attack activities will depend on the amount of heart damage, he has incurred during the heart attack.
After a Heart Attack.
The extent of heart damage, depends greatly on the promptness of the treatment administered during the attack. If treatment of heart attack has been prompt, then the extent of damage to the heart is limited, and the quality of life after a heart attack has less restrictions.
Therein lies the significance of the immediate action one should take in seeking medical help, when one experiences symptoms as explained in Symptoms and Signs of a Heart Attack.
However, certain Do’s and Don’ts after a heart attack have to be followed. Knowing the complications of heart attack will keep you focused and keen on following the suggestions given here. Needless to add, you have to keep in regular touch with your physician and follow his advice religiously.
1. Proper Rest and Sleep after heart attack can be very important as this allows the heart to recuperate.
2. Smoking after heart attack is to be totally avoided as it doubles the chances of a second heart attack.
3. Diet after Heart Attack is explained in Diet for Heart Attack Patients. Read the causes of heart attack to know the importance of this diet.
4. Alcohol after heart attack can be taken after about 45 days after the symptoms of heart attack have subsided. According to the American Journal of Cardiology, one beer or one glass of wine or one drink of liquor can be consumed. Here it is important to know that willpower has to be exercised to stay within the above mentioned limits, as one does tend to drink more, once started. Crossing the limits can be harmful to the heart. Ideally, if one feels that limits may be crossed, one should avoid alcohol totally.
5. Regular medical follow ups, among other things, for Blood cholesterol, Diabetes and high blood pressure.
6. Medicines after heart attack are to be continued under medical supervision.
7. Resentment, anger and Depression are commonly experienced by patients of heart attack due to fear of another attack and restriction on activity. In such cases, one should not hesitate or feel embarrassed to take professional help. This will help, in psychologically getting adjusted to one’s new routine of life after a heart attack.
8. Physical activity after heart attack is resumed slowly with small walks first and then gradually extending the boundaries of the activity.
9. Resuming work after heart attack: After having evaluated your recovery and the nature of your work, the physician may advice you to resume work after 4 weeks.
10. Sex after heart attack can be resumed in the same pattern 4 weeks after the symptoms of attack have subsided. However, depending on the extent of heart damage, the physician may advise the patient to participate in a passive manner.
11. Cardiac Rehabilitation forms a very important part of life after a heart attack. According to statistics, chances of a second heart attack are much lower in patients who have taken up this program. It educates and advises you on the heart attack risk factors and gives you a program to follow with periodic follow ups, which you must take up with earnest.
What is cardiac Rehabilitation?
Cardiac Rehabilitation is a program of educating the patient in the importance of nutrition, exercise, psychological support and life style changes which can prevent the patient from getting another attack. This program is carried out under medical supervision. Your doctor, dietician, physiotherapist and psychologist together evaluate you at the required periodic intervals and advise you on their respective fields of expertise. This is a program, required to be followed by you, if you have had a heart attack. Your doctor will advise you on this as there are variations in the program from person to person.
Your action step.
If you feel this article could be useful, do share it on social media and pass a comment below.
Medic On WebRelated posts:
