Over 800,000 people in the United States alone have a heart attack every year. Heart attack is a problem that affects both your physical and emotional health. It can leave you feeling anxious, facing your mortality, and wondering if you will be healthy again. It is extremely difficult when you cannot enjoy the things that made you happy several months ago. But a heart attack isn’t a condemnation for your healthy and long life.
Below are 6 recommendations that can help you recover after a heart attack and ensure heart health later in life.
1. Follow your medication plan
Unfortunately, many people who survive heart attacks stop taking prescribed medications or don’t take them as prescribed after they start feeling better. But acting in this way you are making a big mistake. Medications prescribed by your cardiologist help keep your condition under control and prevent heart problems in the future.
Some people may stop taking medications because of unpleasant side effects or due to the inability to pay for them. If you have these concerns, discuss them with your cardiologist. The doctor can prescribe cheaper medications or recommend one without side effects.
2. Eat a well-balanced diet
Eating a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, proteins, and minerals is good for your overall and heart health. A well-balanced healthy diet can reduce cardiovascular risk factors and promote recovery after a heart attack. A healthy diet helps control cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and weight. If you aren’t sure about the products you should eat, ask your doctor.
3. Ease into work
After a heart attack, you may need a lot of time for rehabilitation. Over time, you may feel pressure to get back to work after a prolonged period of rehabilitation. But if you want to go back to work, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. Some people may begin to work after one to two weeks after a heart attack. But others require up to three months to return to work without health risks.
4. Exercise
After a heart attack, you can worry about what exercise you can and can’t do. It can also be hard to return to previous levels of physical activity because of fatigue and depression following a heart attack. But being physically active is crucial for a successful recovery from a heart attack and lower cardiovascular risk factors. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and keep cholesterol at normal levels.
Besides, physical activity reduces the negative effects of stress on your body and helps combat depression. If you weren’t physically active before the heart attack, start with walking every day for at least 30 minutes. Physical activity is an essential part of heart attack treatment and recovery.
5. Ditch bad habits
After a heart attack, you’ll have to make several lifestyle changes to ensure the health of your heart and promote recovery. Smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol after a heart attack can double your chances of having another heart attack. If you are a heavy smoker, you may ask your doctor about programs that may help you quit smoking. In most cases, insurance covers these programs.
6. Get enough sleep
While you need to be physically active after a heart attack, it is also crucial to get enough rest and sleep well. For patients with heart problems, it is recommended to rest before they get tired. If you feel exhausted during the day, take a catnap to restore your power and regain energy for the remaining tasks. You should also get a high-quality night’s sleep. Be sure to sleep at least 7 hours every day and stick to sleep hygiene.
If you have insomnia or sleeping problems, discuss them with your doctor. You may also try meditation to reduce stress and improve the quality of your night’s sleep.
