What to Do After a Heart Attack

What you do when you get home from the hospital may help determine whether or not you have a repeat episode. While chances are high, there are things that could help you reduce the odds.

Cardiac Rehab: This is one of the most important things you can do. Basically, you’ll be doing exercises in a controlled, medical environment. You will be monitored for any signs of stress and if the unthinkable should happen, you have specialists there that are trained in taking care of you.

Cardiac rehabilitation isn’t just about exercise. There are counseling services available. Some of those services will be about necessary lifestyle changes, but others are there for your mental health. Depression, anger and stress are not uncommon reactions to such life threatening difficulties.

They will also help you transition back to work. If you are capable of performing the same duties as before, they will help you decide when to go back and how many hours to work at the beginning. If you can’t perform the same job, then they will help you find a new career field.

Diet Changes: While even fit people can have a heart attack, many victims aren’t fit and don’t eat a healthy diet. Chances of survival go down if you don’t watch the fat, cholesterol and sodium in your diet. You should keep the cholesterol consumption down to under 200 mgs and sodium to under 1200. As part of your rehab program, you may be working with a dietician or nutritionist to come up with a healthy diet you’ll be willing to eat.

I know there is a new study that suggests low salt intake can increase cholesterol levels. Until more studies have been conducted and new guidelines set out, it’s best to stick with the old ones.

Another dietary change should be an increase in fiber counts. Fiber can block absorption of fat and cholesterol. It passes through the digestive tract and is eliminated, leaving you healthier.

Smoking: If you smoke, your odds of another heart attack are greatly increased. You may need medical help to quit, but if you want to avoid another heart attack, this is an imperative.

Exercise: Once you’ve finished with cardiac rehab, you will still need to exercise. Your doctor can help you choose what is safe for you to do. It might be a good idea to join a gym, so there are people around when you’re working out. If you’re out hiking, there might not be anybody around to help you should something go wrong.

Having a heart attack is a life changing event. With the help of your doctor and team of specialists, you can reduce your odds of having a second attack.


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