For many, a heart attack is a scary wake-up call that prompts smarter lifestyle choices. It may mean it’s time to quit smoking, start exercising or make better decisions about what to eat. Take your time, and work with your doctor on the best plan for you.
Below are some tips to help you lead a healthy lifestyle after a heart attack.
Take Your Medication
Heart attack survivors are often prescribed medications that reduce stress on the heart. These include beta blockers, aspirin and ACE inhibitors. Though they decrease the risk of having another heart attack, they can sometimes have negative side effects.
If you don’t feel right after taking your medications, contact your doctor. Sometimes a simple adjustment will improve the way you feel and maintain the protection for your heart.
Watch Out For Depression
According to the American Heart Association, one in five people hospitalized for heart attack or chest pain develop major depression following the event. If you feel helpless, isolated or simply down for more than a few weeks, talk with your doctor.
Depression deters people from taking care of themselves properly after a heart attack, which can have very real ramifications on their physical health. Luckily, the condition is treatable with talk therapy and medication.
See Your Doctor Regularly
Partner with your doctor to maintain healthy lifestyle changes, make new medications work for you and monitor mental health. These appointments have huge benefits for your health, and provide the perfect opportunity to ask questions. Everyone should be visiting their doctor regularly, but it is especially critical for heart attack survivors.
Enroll in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Cardiac rehabilitation is a comprehensive exercise and education program prescribed for people who have experienced one or more of the following:
- Recent heart attack
- Bypass surgery
- Angioplasty or stents
- Valve replacement or repair
- Heart transplant
- Angina
Cardiac rehab can help you get a fresh start. It has been shown to help heart patients reduce cardiac symptoms, increase physical fitness, improve health and well-being, and reduce the risk of future heart problems.
The University of Maryland Rehabilitation Network, a coordinated system of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation providers working together to help people recover from illness or injury, can provide you with high-quality rehabilitation services close to home.
