5 Tips To Full Recovery After a Heart Attack

There are many questions that you may have after you or a loved one experiences a heart attack. It can be difficult to transition back into your daily life. While you must make some adjustments to your lifestyle, many individuals the experience a heart attack go on to live healthy, active lives. Here are answers to the most common questions people have about the recovery process after a heart attack:

Do I need to take the medications prescribed and strictly adhere to my cardiologist’s advice on lifestyle changes? Yes, your physician creates a treatment plan that includes medications and lifestyle changes for you based on the extent to which your heart was damaged and what is needed to prevent a recurrence.
What symptoms require a call to 911 for emergency care? Your physician should provide you with a list of warning signs that include: shortness of breath for more than about 10 minutes; an irregular heartbeat; chest pain; pain in your arms, neck, jaw or stomach; feeling faint or fainting; nausea and/or vomiting; general weakness in your body; swelling in your legs, ankles or feet; and a high fever.
What kinds of food do I need to avoid? You must follow a heart-healthy diet that includes: eating more fruits, vegetables and foods that contain little cholesterol and saturated fat; limiting intake of high-fat dairy products; eating very little red meat; reducing salt intake; and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
When is it safe to return to my normal activities? The answer to this question will depend on the severity of the damage to your heart. While you should allow your heart to rest immediately following a heart attack, it is also important that you participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program and any exercises that have been authorized by your physician.
What lifestyles changes will I need to make? There are certain lifestyle changes that can promote a healthy body, which include: quitting smoking and avoiding smoke; reducing your level stress, which may mean looking for a different job, attending counseling and practicing relaxation techniques; losing weight, if medically advised; managing your cholesterol and sugar intake; and regularly exercising as recommended by your physician.

Beverly Hills Cardiology

Your cardiologist should give you clear directions on how to proceed through the process of recovery after a heart attack. To reach a full state of recovery, it is imperative that you carefully follow your physician’s advice. A recovery process after a heart attack is more akin to a transformation in your lifestyle, which you should continue to follow throughout your life to be healthy and active.

If you have questions related to a heart condition, please contact the Beverly Hills Cardiology office at (310) 858-6500 and allow our expert cardiologist, Dr. Shervin Eshaghian M.D., to show you the way to a healthy heart.