Most people survive their first heart attack attempt and return to their normal lives to enjoy many more years of productive activity. But having a first heart attack attempt does mean you need to make some changes in your life. Still, you should take care of your health because your body is getting prone to health issues. Many people wonder- How to get a normal life even after a heart attack?
Having a heart attack (either for the first time or any time) is not a usual effect on the body. You need to have your eyes on how your body changes day by day and how it responds while you eat or drink. If you or anyone you know intends to ask any question regarding heart and health issues, you can consider talking to the nearby Cardiologist in Gurgaon.
Why do heart attacks occur?
Heart attacks occur
- When one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle becomes clogged or blocked. This is due to blood clot formation and plaque buildup. Blocked arteries, also known as Atherosclerosis.
- When the area of the heart that usually receives blood from that artery becomes damaged. The damage worsens the longer the blockage remains due to high blood pressure.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
The symptoms of a heart attack in patients may be caused by sudden emotional triggers of strain and stress.
Symptoms of heart attack
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Difficulty in breathing
- Unable to stand properly
- Stabbing pressure-like pain in the chest that lasts more than 10 minutes
- Radiating pain that radiates to either arm, neck, or jaw
- Nausea and vomiting
Your doctor may also run some physical examination and diagnostic imaging tests to determine how much your heart muscles were damaged and what degree of coronary artery disease you have remaining.
What are the treatments for heart attack patients?
Treatments for heart attack patients include medications and lifestyle changes. In some cases, surgical procedures are required. Your doctor will advise you of medications and lifestyle changes according to your health condition. Generally, health conditions depend upon different factors such as –
- What is the patient’s age?
- How badly was the patient’s heart damaged?
- What other types of heart disease patients might get in the future?
How to get a normal life even after a heart attack?
Heart attack patients whether men or women have a low life expectancy.
Here are some lifestyle changes that can improve your normal living even after a heart attack. This may include –
#1 Drink water
Drinking lots of water 1.5-2 liters per day. It helps to improve circulation and lower your risk for heart disease.
#2 Get regular walking
If you are not regularly exercising, get a regular slow walk for up to 30 to 45 minutes of activity. After a heart attack attempt, it does not mean to have extensive or difficult exercise. According to the doctor’s advice, walking is fine. Your body might take weeks or months to heal and work up to normal functions.
#3 Quit smoking
Quitting smoking can be the most challenging for heart patients. You can join any institute or any rehabilitation center or can consult a doctor to quit smoking and lead the best of your life. Your doctor may suggest you best smoking cessation strategies. Even if you have tried to quit smoking in the past, try again. Feeling of having a first heart attack attempt might support you with the motivation to stick with quitting smoking.
#4 Make healthy changes to your diet
According to health experts, it is believed that the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet can improve heart health. You should take a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet centered around nutritious vegetables, and a little bit of lean protein. Eat a green vegetable salad with moderate amounts of whole grains four to five times a week for a healthy heart.
#5 Evaluate your salt intake
If you have high blood pressure and congestive issues, you should take care of your health. Try limiting the number of salts and sugar in any situation or disease. Your doctor can help you decide how much salt you should be eating. Drink lemon water to stay hydrated and improve blood pressure. You can also drink orange juice for a healthy heart.
#6 Limit your alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of different types of cancer and other serious problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. Men should stay below one to two drinks per day after a heart attack. If you are addicted to drinking alcohol daily, try to cut it out to one glass per day and then “no glass” per day.
#7 Take the medication you need
After a heart attack, your doctor might prescribe medications that you have to take. The commonly prescribed medications after a heart attack are blood pressure medications and blood thinners. Some blood thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor, or prasugrel (Effient) for the prevention of stroke and heart attack. These medications can protect your heart and keep your health fit.
Foods to avoid from your diet after a heart attack
After a heart attack, you must avoid the following foods to reduce your blood cholesterol. It includes –
- Fried foods such as snacks and chips
- Meat such as processed meat and fatty red meat
- Cream sauces and ketchup
- Soda drinks and chocolate milk
- Smoking
- Alcohol
Conclusion – get a normal life even after a heart attack
Now, when do you know How to get a normal life even after a heart attack? You should try focusing on your body right from your first attempt at heart issues. Most first heart attack attempt patients go back to their regular work routine within two weeks to three months, depending on the severity of the heart attack. To make a full recovery, ask your doctor to determine when you can go back and if your current employment is suitable for you even after a first heart attack attempt. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations to prevent heart disease.