Healthy Living: Might Proper Choices Increase Rate of Survival Post Heart Attack?
Recovering from a heart attack can be a challenging journey, but with the right lifestyle changes, it is possible to improve one's quality of life and reduce the risk of future heart attacks.
A study published in a journal found that people who have had a heart attack reported a high quality of life 20 years after their incident, comparable to the general Danish population [6]. This suggests that with the right approach, heart attack survivors can lead fulfilling lives.
Physical activity plays a crucial role in recovery. Regular exercise, such as walking, can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve brain function, enhance circulation, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, strengthen bones and muscles, and reinforce the immune system [1][3]. For those who have had a heart attack, it is essential to start slowly and consult with a healthcare provider before starting an exercise routine. Cardiac rehabilitation programs that include supervised exercise can help build a routine that supports long-term heart health [3].
Dietary changes are also essential for heart health. Adopting diets like the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes lean protein, fish, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and healthy oils, can support both heart and mental health [1][4]. It is also important to ensure your diet includes foods rich in nutrients that help produce neurotransmitters and support healthy nerves [1].
Emotional and mental health are equally important in recovery. Consider seeking therapy to address potential depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Emotional support is crucial for full recovery [1][3]. Stress reduction techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can also help manage stress effectively [5].
Lifestyle modifications are key to adapting to a new normal after a heart attack. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of another heart attack [4]. Reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and regularly checking blood pressure are also essential for managing heart health [2][4].
In conclusion, by implementing these lifestyle changes, individuals can improve their quality of life, reduce the risk of future heart attacks, and enhance their overall well-being. The overall rate of death from heart attack has fallen significantly in recent years, from about 87 deaths per 100,000 people in 1999 to about 38 deaths per 100,000 people in 2020 [7]. With the right approach, it is possible to lead a fulfilling life after a heart attack.
References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Heart-healthy lifestyle changes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-healthy-lifestyle/art-20048389 [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Heart-healthy eating. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/healthy_living/healthy_eating.htm [3] American Heart Association. (2021). Physical activity and exercise. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/physical-activity-and-exercise [4] American College of Cardiology. (2021). Smoking and heart disease. https://www.acc.org/patient/health-wellness/healthy-lifestyle/smoking-and-heart-disease [5] Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). Yoga for stress relief. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-for-stress-relief [6] Nielsen-Bohlman, L. L., et al. (2014). Quality of life after acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 21(10), 1218-1234. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/21/10/1218/2440589 [7] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Heart disease facts. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
- By adhering to a science-backed living strategy, heart attack survivors can enhance their quality of life and lessen the risk of future heart attacks, similar to the general population.
- Medical-conditions like chronic diseases, such as heart diseases, can be effectively managed through regular fitness-and-exercise, like walks, and a healthy-diets, like the Mediterranean diet.
- Mental-health is equally crucial in recovery, and therapies-and-treatments like therapy for depression, anxiety, or PTSD, and stress reduction techniques like meditation or yoga, can aid in full recovery.
- Sports-analysis can provide insights into suitable fitness and exercise regimens for heart attack survivors, making their road to recovery smoother.
- Medicare services offer coverage for essential treatments and therapies to aid in managing heart disease and related conditions, protecting heart-health and overall well-being.
- Nutritionists can guide patients on following healthy-diets that cater to their individual needs, boosting both heart and mental health.
- Implementing lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and checking blood pressure regularly, can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases and heart-attacks, ensuring long-term cardiovascular-health.
