This article has been authored by Dr. Gunjan Kapoor, who is Directior at Institute of Heart at Jaypee Hospital Noida. Dr. Kapoor completed MD from KGMC, Lucknow and DM (Cardiology) from SGPGIMS, Lucknow. She has undergone training for interventional cardiology at the Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. To know more about Dr. Gunjan or book an appointment, please call 0120 – 412 2222
Life After Surviving A Heart Attack
People who survive a heart attack have been through a life threatening event. They are overwhelmed and an insecurity regarding post attack care keeps constantly nagging. After initial treatment and care, the process of healing starts.
Our heart has the ability to self-heal. After a heart attack the muscles begin to recover and repair. However, the survivor is always at a risk of a second attack. Changing to healthy habits and proper post-treatment care is defense against a repeat episode.
Medication
Drug therapy is imperative after a heart attack. The medications depends on the damage to the heart tissue and other risk factors like weight or pre-existing conditions like diabetes. Drugs are usually prescribed to control high blood pressure & cholesterol, weight and chest pain or overall discomfort. Patients, specially those with stents, are prescribed blood thinners which the patient should not stop without consulting the doctor.
Lifestyle Changes
Following these simple steps will help you combat the risk of another attack and also strengthen your heart:
Eat healthy
Consume healthy, fibre-rich food, fruits and vegetables. Opt for foods rich in anti-oxidants, fibre, vitamins and mineral. Avoid fried foods, processed meat, free sugar and dairy products.
Stay active
Regular cardio exercise along with low intensity strength building workout will make the heart muscles strong. Exercise increases the oxygen in blood and facilitates smooth circulation. This is important for the heart health. Yoga is known to build immunity and cardiovascular health.
Kick out stress
Stress is not good for the heart and also affects the blood pressure. Chronic stress exposes our organs to stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that are not good for cardiovascular health. So relax, unwind and take things slowly. Meditation helps in controlling stress.
Limit alcohol
Exceeding the limit of alcohol contributes to the rise in triglycerides. It also increases the heartbeat and can raise your blood pressure. It is always recommended to avoid alcohol specially in the patients with poor function of the heart.
Quit smoking
This one is a no-brainer. Smoking kills with or without a heart attack. And if you have already had one, it is recommended that you kick the butt forever. Smoking reduces oxygen cells in the bloodstream and causes a risk for clot formation. This cuts the required supply of oxygen to the heart and increases chances of sudden cardiac death.
Control blood pressure/diabetes
High blood pressure causes strain on the heart. And the heart that is already weak due to a prior attack, will not be able to withstand the strain. Uncontrolled diabetes damages the nerves and blood vessels which in turn impact the circulatory system in the body.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
Instead of brooding over the insecurities and resorting to self-medication, it is best to open up to your doctor and get clarity on what foods to eat, intensity of exercise, can you drive and how soon you can get back to work. There are cardiac rehabilitation programs that you can join.
If you have survived a heart attack, you have chance for a new life and to erase the health mistakes of past. Take things slow and gradually ease back in your daily routine.
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