A to Z Disease

Overview

The most important step in recovering from a heart attack is to reduce or eliminate factors that put you at risk for another one. These include high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity and diabetes. Patience and a positive attitude are also major parts of recovery.

If you've had a heart attack, you probably know that that one or more of the arteries that feed your heart muscle became partially or completely blocked by deposits called plaque. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other cellular matter circulating in your blood. Over time, the plaque can narrow and harden arteries and restrict the flow of blood. It can also become brittle and break up, forming blood clots that block the flow of blood in the heart's arteries.

Ways to Recover Physically

• Get Plenty Of Rest. Sleep is important to recovery.
• Make Physical Activity A Part Of Your Life. In fact, your doctor might suggest that you exercise more than you did before the attack.
• Take Notice Of Chest Pain. It's typical to feel some chest pain during or right after physical exertion, intense emotion or overeating. But not everyone will have chest pain. If you do, it should feel like a twinge or pressure and should disappear quickly. Nevertheless, if you're having ANY chest pains, it's best to be cautious and tell your doctor. There are exercises and medications that can help ease or prevent the pain.
• Participate In A Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Research shows that these programs lower cardiac death rates and additional incidents. There are several benefits of these programs, which include a speedier recovery process and an increased sense of wellbeing and optimism about the future. Cardiac rehabilitation programs usually involve:
  • Counseling to help you understand and manage your disease.
  • Developing an exercise program that's best for you.
  • Guidance on physical limitations.
  • Individual or group support to help smokers quit.
  • Relaxation techniques to help manage and reduce stress.
  • Visits with a nutritionist to help you create a healthy eating plan.
• Participate In Medically-Supervised Exercise Training. As you exercise, your doctor may monitor your heart with an ECG, or electrocardiogram, to make sure your heart isn't working too hard. Another benefit of medically-supervised exercise training is improved blood vessel function, blood flow to the heart, and reduced risk of blood clots.

Ways to Recover Emotionally

There are very common emotional responses many people have after a heart attack. These include feelings of depression, increased sensitivity, fear, and anger. Emotional stress and anxiety speed up your heart rate, making it work harder. So, this can even prolong your recovery.

Here are some things to think about to get back to feeling like your old self:

• Ask For Help. If depression starts to interfere with sleeping, eating and self-esteem, don't be afraid to ask for help. You need and deserve all the support you can get.
• Get Back To Work. Most heart attack patients go back to work within two weeks to three months. Your doctor will help you determine when you're ready. However, if the work you do requires a lot of physical labor, you may even need to think about switching jobs.
• Don't Be Embarrassed To Ask About Sex. Many people worry that sex might trigger another heart attack. The demands that sexual intercourse place on your heart are similar to taking a brisk walk or climbing one or two flights of stairs. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor when it's safe to resume sexual activity. It's a very common and very important question.

Some heart medications, such as beta blockers, may affect sexual function. If you experience a problem, it may have to do with depression or anxiety rather than the medications you're taking. Ask your doctor about it if the problem persists.

A heart attack doesn't mean the end of an active life. It is within your control to make changes, and with the support of your doctor and loved ones, you can continue doing the things you enjoy.