A heart attack is everybody’s worst nightmare. In some cases, it can be lethal, but in others, people survive it. If you know someone, or you yourself survived a heart attack, you are lucky. Do not only consider it a sweet escape, but also a new lease of life. A heart attack is sometimes a sign that you have been doing something wrong with your life and health in general. It can be eating an unhealthy diet, stressing yourself out or leading a sedentary life.
Whatever it is, you must realise you have to make changes to your lifestyle. There are also a few other things you have to be mindful of. This blog will discuss those things in detail. Keep reading.
Medical care
Ensure that you take your medical care exactly as instructed and for the prescribed time
The dosage and duration of a medicine are prescribed for a reason. It is more than essential that you take your medicines as instructed and for the prescribed time. Some people discontinue their medication the moment they feel better. But this is not how it works. Your health can take a backseat and symptoms can relapse if you stop your medication before the prescribed time.
Regular health checkups and tests curated for heart care
Back then, you must have gotten a health checkup done once a year, but now is the time to make a change. Ensure that you get regular health checkups (after every two months) done after the first heart attack. These health checkups also include health tests specifically designed to take care of your heart health. Aim to get these checkups done once a month, or according to your healthcare provider’s instructions
Follow-ups with the doctor
It is a no-brainer that you must not miss your doctor appointments. Remember, constant monitoring is more than essential after your first heart attack. You may be at risk for a second one, so follow-ups are non-negotiable.
You may join a cardiac rehab program
Some hospitals offer cardiac rehab programs to help patients get back to their lives healthily after a heart attack. You may enquire about these programs at your nearest medical facilities.
Encourage your loved ones to learn CPR and be aware of the warning signs
You may not be able to do much when having a heart attack, but your loved ones can. Encourage them to learn CPR and be aware of the warning signs so that they can get you the essential medical help just in time.
Lifestyle changes
Keep a tab on your diet
It is a given that your diet needs to change. Even if you had unhealthy food once a week before, the consumption needs to stop completely. In fact, you must focus on eating a heart-healthy diet.
Some dietary changes include:
- Boycott oily food, butter and ghee
- Say goodbye to Maida
- No processed food
- Change your cooking oils
- Evaluate salt intake
Apart from that, you must consider consulting a dietician who will prepare a diet chart to help you lead a normal and healthy life after a heart attack.
A 30-minute walk every day
A short walking session is the healthiest cardiovascular exercise. You may not be able to get back to a workout routine for a while but a 30-minute walk is what you can do to improve your heart health. Just 30 minutes a day.
Say no to smoking and drinks
You don’t have to cut smoking and drinks but completely boycott it. There is substantial evidence that alcohol and smoking are big RED FLAGS for your heart health.
Consider investing in smartwatches that measure heart rate and pulse
Smartwatches can come in handy if they have built-in features to measure heart rate and pulse. There have been instances where smartwatches warned individuals of irregular heart rates and rhythms. Yes, they may be an expensive investment, but not more expensive than life and health.
Do things that make you happy and help you de-stress
Stress is your heart’s enemy, aka, one of the leading causes of heart attacks. So, you must avoid stress at all costs. This includes cutting back on work and prioritising your mental and physical health. It may be a good idea to do things that make you happier. This can include following your passion or hobbies such as painting, or playing guitar.
Closing thoughts
Tending to oneself following a first heart attack necessitates a committed focus on personal well-being and constructive lifestyle adjustments. Embracing a heart-healthy diet, and effectively managing stress are pivotal steps in fostering a healthier future. Adherence to prescribed medications plays a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of subsequent cardiac events. Remember, recognising that self-care is not merely an option but an integral aspect of reclaiming a satisfying and healthy life post-heart attack, we can embark on a journey toward renewed vitality and overall heart health.
