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Being a major cause of death worldwide, a heart attack is undoubtedly a life-changing event for patients. With over 28% of deaths due to heart attacks, India contributes one-fifth of the 17.9 million cardiovascular disease-related deaths worldwide.
Heart attacks leave many in doubt whether they will ever be able to live a normal, fulfilling life again. Contrary to this belief, it is possible to live the best life after a heart attack and return to your daily routines, you must have a proper recovery and care plan as directed by your doctor.
Here Are 7 Tips to Help You in Your Recovery After a Heart Attack:
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Make Exercise a Habit
Exercise remains a very important part of recovery after a heart attack. Walking is a great way to begin your recovery process since it is considered an excellent cardiovascular exercise. You can start walking slowly within a few days after the surgery, gradually increasing your speed and distance. Many former athletes even go back to their rigorous training sessions and earn greater achievements. However, they perform those strenuous activities only under medical supervision and extensive care.
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Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is a cornerstone for your recovery after a heart attack. Focus on eating nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. If you are a non-vegetarian, add more fish and lean meat to your diet and avoid red meat for a while. Limit your intake of salt, oil, and processed foods as they are very high in saturated and trans fats. Speak to your doctor/dietician to help you develop a personalised meal plan.
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Get Enough Sleep
Sleep helps your body to heal and recover after a heart attack. You should ensure that you get rest for 7 to 8 hours each night and establish a regular sleep routine. Sleep also helps reduce stress, thereby keeping you active as well as improving your mood throughout the day.
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Undergo Regular Health Check:
Timely health check-ups become imperative to monitor progress and identify any potential complications following your surgery. These health checks may include blood tests, lipid profiles, blood sugar levels, kidney function tests, ECG, echo, and TMT tests. These tests also help your doctor to modify the doses of medications to aid your recovery and achieve optimal heart health. It is also important to know the symptoms that may indicate a complication, like breathlessness, chest pain, arm pain, or back pain. If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention right away.
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Take Medications to Manage Risk Factors:
Following a heart attack, your cardiologist may prescribe a few medications to manage your risk factors if any, and reduce your chance of further complications or another cardiac attack in the future. Beta-blockers, antithrombotics, and statins are commonly recommended; however, the doses depend on the severity of the damage your heart suffered.
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Take Care of Your Mental Health
Following a heart attack, it is common for many patients to feel anxious, depressed, and stressed thinking about the uncertainty of life and how it can change within a snap of time. Thus, learn ways to manage it and spearhead your journey to recovery. Yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques - all are proven methods that can keep you motivated, calm, and positive. Free some time for hobbies and activities that you enjoy. Reach out for help, if you still struggle to manage your emotional self even after following the above methods.
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Attend Counselling Sessions & Support Groups
At discharge, your cardiologist along with a cardiac surgeon, a dietician, and a psychologist will conduct a counselling session to help you gain confidence in yourself and provide tips for a successful and speedy recovery. Many patients have difficulty accepting the fact that despite leading a healthy life, they suffered a heart attack. Support groups can help these people connect and overcome their emotional issues with other like-minded people who have gone through a similar incident.
In conclusion, surviving a heart attack can be a frightening experience, but with the right care, most patients can return to living their daily lives. Interventional cardiologists In Bangalore, associated with the best heart hospital in Jayanagar, suggest you to - FOLLOW YOUR RECOVERY PLAN CAREFULLY! This includes taking medication, making lifestyle changes, and attending regular check-ups with their doctor, which can go a long way in improving your chances of making a full recovery and leading a healthy life.
FAQs on Heart Care post Heart Attack
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What does the Recovery Process look like after a Heart Attack?
After your discharge from the hospital, follow the recovery plan prepared by your doctor and make lifestyle modifications to aid a full recovery. The recovery plan will include taking medications, undergoing regular tests, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking.
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How will I know if I am having a Heart Attack?
Chest pain or discomfort (angina) is the most common symptom felt by patients while suffering a heart attack. You should be aware of picking up your symptoms and seek medical help right away. Look for other common symptoms of a heart attack like shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, sweating, and sudden fatigue. Visit the famous cardiologists in Bangalore at the Jaanagar branch of Manipal Hospitals and learn more about your heart health.
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How to know if I am at Risk of a Heart Attack?
There are certain risk factors - modifiable and non-modifiable that put someone at a higher of heart attack than that of others. Check if you have any of the following non-modifiable risk factors - older age, family or personal history of suffering a heart attack, and pre-existing diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Other lifestyle-related - modifiable factors include unhealthy diet, obesity, tobacco usage, and alcohol consumption.
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