Heart Attack Recovery

Recovering from a heart attack is often an arduous process. Add to that the fact that the road to recovery is often a bumpy road. Recent advancement in medical technology has given new hope for heart attack survivors. Today most sufferers can already go home after a week of hospital stay. People that are recovering need to have quality rest and relaxation to prevent any relapse. This includes proper diet and medications. The truth is that the severity of the attack often dictates how long you can be able to go back to your normal routine. Here are some key ways on how to hasten your heart attack recovery and get back in the swing of things after a heart attack.

Heart Attack Recovery: Cut the Stress

People that have suffered from myocardial infarction are able to recover swiftly if there are less stress and anxiety around. The severity of the attack may take its toll on overall health but cutting the stress makes it easier for the body to fully recover. Stress plus temperature can add more pressure to the body which can lead to a recurrence at its worse. That is why recovering patients need to exert effort to keep their stress loads down by using coping mechanisms against anxiety and stress. Worry less and you will live longer.

Heart Attack Recovery: Check for Sleep Apnea

People that have suffered from heart attacks are at risk of developing sleep apnea. The Texas Heart Institute recommends having some screening for potential risks of obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea may cause sudden death in some cases. As the soft palate slides it can cause an obstruction to the air passageways. The breathing gets slow or stops when it is already blocked by the soft palate. It can also cause the quality of sleep to dip down where the obstruction can cause sleep disruptions when the body needs to rest.

Heart Attack Recovery: Exercise

If you feel dizzy and experience shortness of breath for about 10 minutes after moderate exercise you should consult a health professional right away. If not, continue with the physical exercises if you are not experiencing swelling or pain in the legs, cold sweats, vomiting and nausea among others. If you feel queer or you are not comfortable after having some exercise advice your doctor immediately.

Heart Attack Recovery: Get Doctor’s Advice

Normally your doctor can tell you to resume your normal activities including intimate relationships about two to three weeks after discharge. Any kind of activity should be cleared with the doctor before proceeding. You may need to take things slowly and you should be in constant communication with the doctor if any symptoms of dizziness, nausea and sudden fatigue come around.

Heart Attack Recovery: Limit Tobacco/Alcohol Use

Tobacco and alcohol should no longer be consumed and there should be an effort to avoid second-hand smoke. It is best to quit smoking and keep away from smoking areas which are very small in number as most public areas have become no-smoking as per legislation.

The road to recovery can be slow but you will get there. Constant monitoring and following the advice of your doctor can hasten the movement towards full recovery. Surviving a heart attack is a big thing and nothing should stop you from living your second chance in life.