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What To Do After Surviving a Heart Attack?

The very idea of cardiac arrests or what is more commonly understood as heart attacks are a way of conveying a rather unnerving message every time the topic surfaces. A life-threatening medical condition, a heart attack is characterised by a sudden blockage in the flow of the blood that reaches the heart. As a result, surrounding tissues are subjected to instant damage, thereby harbouring severe consequences to the patient’s health, in some cases, even proving fatal to him. This is precisely why post-heart attack care depends heavily on the severity and nature of the condition, as well as the rapidity with which it is treated.

Once you’ve been treated for the condition, the medical supervision will shift towards alleviating coronary heart diseases. Picking out the most suitable procedure for further treatment is the right path for post-heart attack care.

If you’ve just experienced a heart attack, it is likely that you’ll be in the hospital for a week or so and for a longer span of time if you’ve had to undergo other procedures, such as bypass surgery. There’s a good chance that you’ll soon feel better enough to consider resuming work, but it is pertinent that you put your healthcare priorities first and wait till you’ve completely recovered.

Take one step at a time eventually (albeit gradually), find your footing back in life. This helps to chalk out the risk of a relapse. Plan your activities in such a manner that you’re not subjected to much stress. Rigorous physical activities, sexual intercourse and rich, heavy food products have to be avoided during the recovery period.

The post-heart attack care plan will invariably include a number of medications. The medicines and drugs that you’ll be prescribed will depend primarily on the extent of the damage caused, as well as other possible health complications. On an average, most patients have to take a regular dosage of medicines that helps correct hypertension, chest pain, diabetes, high cholesterol and body weight issues.

You might also notice that medication regimes are changing while you’re still at the hospital. The dosages might vary, as well as the total number of medicines that has to be taken on a daily basis.

Most hospitals and nursing homes are generally equipped with proper outpatient rehabilitation centres to be of aid to those who seek help prior to the treatment. The benefits of being referred to one are many. People who have been specializing in the field of heart health are assigned the task of teaching the patients numerous activities that contribute to the protection and strengthening of the heart.

You’ll also be introduced to the changes that you’ll have to consider making so that you may effectively lower your heart-rate and in turn, better the functioning of your heart. Certified exercise specialists will walk you through ways by which you can efficiently reduce the chances of any future complications. If you’re encountering bouts of depression, stress or anxiety, support will be extended from counsellors as well as psychiatrists.

Adopting significant lifestyle changes that work in harmony with the treatment plan goes a long way in improving the overall health of the patient.

  1. Exercise often to get your heart pumping! Aerobic exercises are the best to improve heart-health. Activities like cycling, swimming, running and jogging build the heart’s capacity for pumping blood through the bloodstream and improve circulation.
  2. Eating right is of the utmost significance for patients, since consuming a lot of calories strains your heart unnecessarily. It is best advised to cut down on animal fats and instead, focus on green vegetables and lean meats.
  3. Quit smoking to stabilize blood pressure and better your heart-health. Passive smoking must be avoided as well, since the dangers posed by it are numerous.

Never forget the simple fact that a heart attack must not always be the harbinger of bad times. Your health- mental and physical- must be your top priority during this period.

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Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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