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When a heart attack strikes – and for hundreds of thousands of people, that’s going to be sometime this year – there’s no time to plan a course of action or contemplate the everyday ways in which life will change post heart attack. As with anything, the simplest defense is a good offense, and being prepared now can (literally!) save you a lot of heartache later.
Certainly we hope neither you nor your senior family members will be impacted by a heart attack or heart related illnesses, but just in case, it’s a good idea to make note of and keep these questions handy for future reference:
- Will I have to give up my favorite activities? After a period of recovery, it is most likely that you will be able to enjoy your favorite pastimes again. It is important to let your doctor know about any activities, interests, and physical activity regimens you would want to resume, and she or he can help you work towards that target.
- What diet modifications might be necessary? It’s important to work with the physician to set up a dietary plan that’s not simply heart-healthy, but one that you will stick with long-term. Keeping sodium and fat to a minimum is crucial, but is not going to mean you necessarily need to stay away from them entirely.
- How can my loved ones help after my heart attack? Select a few trusted loved ones and friends to help hold you accountable to your lifestyle changes, and to give you support emotionally as you adapt to these changes.
- Am I going to be allowed to travel? There’s really no one answer that fits all when it comes to traveling after a heart attack. An overall rule of thumb is often to steer clear of traveling by air for at least two weeks after placement of a stent. Having a conversation with your cardiologist about where and when you’d wish to travel is always a good suggestion, to weigh out the risks vs. the benefits.
- What kinds of long-term effects can I anticipate? The objective, needless to say, is to protect against another heart attack, which means continuing, regular medical appointments and testing. Following your physician's prescribed dietary and treatment plan will go a long way towards helping you stay healthy in the future.
Independence-4-Seniors Home Care offers specialized home care assistance and support to heart attack survivors in the greater Chicago area. This care includes fixing heart-healthy meals, running errands such as picking up groceries and prescriptions, and offering encouragement with staying with a fitness regimen. Call us any time at (630) 323-4665 for additional recommendations, resources, and in-home care services.