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The Ideal Lifestyle Choices After A Heart Attack

Every 40 seconds, a US adult suffers from a heart attack (myocardial infarction-MI). In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Most often heart disease goes undiagnosed until someone experiences MI signs or an abnormal heart rhythm. This is dangerous. It is important that you are aware of the risk factors and symptoms so that you can take prompt action.

This blog aims to highlight some lifestyle-change recommendations to prevent a recurring heart attack. The major cause of MI reoccurrence is people making the same lifestyle choices as before that contributed to their first heart attack. Not to mention their genetics that remains unaltered.

After surviving a life-threatening MI, you’re probably certain of one thing: you don’t want another such event to unfold. Yet, recurrent heart attacks are common (the second time occurring within 5 years of the first one). Here are some proactive steps to take or lifestyle habits to follow to lessen chances of a second heart attack:

Move more- Physical activity is key to restore heart health post MI occurrence. Work towards achieving 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Activities could be as simple as brisk walking or doing household chores. Exercise also helps you cope with feelings of depression commonly seen among heart attack survivors. Arrive at the ideal exercise regimen in consultation with your doctor.

Foods for the heart- Diet is another key to restore cardiovascular health. During the recovery phase, your should eat a diet comprising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fatty fish like tuna, salmon (contains the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids), lean protein, and opt for low-fat dairy products. Completely stay away from foods high in trans fats, saturated fat and cholesterol.

Quit smoking- This is the BEST thing you can do for the health of your ticker. Tobacco smoke (first-hand and second-hand) can wreak havoc on the health of your ticker, making accumulation of fat more likely (a reason MI occurred in the first place), and may as well cause the blood to become thicker meaning the person is more prone to developing clots which could pave the way for another MI.

Cardiac rehab- As you are discharged from the hospital, your doctor will prescribe cardiac rehab for faster recovery. Cardiac rehab is proven to reduce mortality, provided you complete the program. A cardiac rehab program gives the opportunity to work with experts in nutrition and exercise, physical therapists, and mental health professionals so that you can get back to normalcy at the earliest possible time.

Remember smoking cessation, regular physical activity and healthy eating habits are the primary lifestyle changes that can significantly cut your risk for a cardiac event a second time. Occurrence of MI in the first place itself should be the strongest motivator to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

If you are thinking about undergoing CPR training, there’s nothing like it. Proper application of the procedure can revive the life of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victim. To sign up for a CPR class, contact CPR Tampa in Palm Harbor at 727-240-9404.
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