Having a heart attack is serious and scary. Unfortunately, the worries don’t end for some as they recover. We have found that one of the best ways to overcome heart attack anxiety is to have a plan of recovery. These are what we believe to be the most important tips to keep in mind during the recovery of a major cardiac event.
Don’t Ignore Your Mental Health
Heart attack or not, your mental health is very important. The reason we bring this up is because many often report feelings of depression and anxiety after experiencing a heart attack. If this is you, know that it’s completely normal. If you find yourself feeling this way more than a couple of weeks after the incident, mention it to your doctor. Be patient with yourself and don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family for social support.
Returning to Normal Activities Takes Time
You may feel like you want this to all be behind you and that may cause you to rush to doing activities at the same level as you were before. Realize that it will take time to get there, and it should, if you want to allow yourself to heal properly.
Now Is the Time to Cut Tobacco
You probably already know it, but now is the time to eliminate or drastically reduce tobacco usage. Your quality of life will be much better and your heart will thank you for it.
Diet is Key
Making healthier food choices can help aid in your recovery and provide a lasting change to your health. Choose foods low in sugar and sodium. Aim for a colorful plate with veggies, fruit, lean meat and whole grains. Planning your meals ahead of time will help you to make wise choices instead of a spur of the moment junk food choices.
The Benefits of Elevated Activity
You should be able to return to activities like dressing and taking care of your personal hygiene immediately. For elevated activity, you can start walking at a pace recommended by the doctor. Walking is extremely good for the heart, so keep up daily walking as you progress through recovery.
What to Do if You Think You’re Having Another Attack
Know the symptoms of a heart attack. They are chest pain, left arm pain, cold sweats, dizziness, jaw pain and fatigue. If you suspect an attack, you should immediately call 911. You may want to invest in an easy-to-use blood pressure monitor for peace of mind.
As You Think about Your New Lifestyle, Remember the ABCs of Heart Health
A: Take Aspirin (Amount suggested by your doctor)
B: Control Your Blood Pressure
C: Take Care of Your Cholesterol
If you or someone you love has recently suffered from a heart attack, we hope you find these tips helpful. Don’t hesitate to reach out to ACG Medical Supply for products to help make recovery easier for everyone. We’re here to help!