Ever wondered what happens in the first few days after a heart attack? Simply you will be monitored closely in the 1st few days after your heart attack.
The severity of your heart attack and recovery from it has a direct connection with the extent of the damage of your heart muscle. ECG test and troponin test may be conducted to determine the damage of the muscle.
During the first 24 – 48 hours you will be observed carefully. You blood sugar level will be closely monitored after a heart attack. During this time, you may get tired very easily
Worry not; with care, regular medication and with monitoring the discomfort gradually lessens. During this time any underlying problems for instance high blood sugar, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can also be assessed.
It’s important to take care of yourself. Talk to your heart specialist for specific advice.
Here are a few important points for you to mull over –
After a heart attack how soon will you’ll be able to return to your regular activities?
It’s pretty obvious that you may want to go back to your regular life within the minimum timeframe. The timeframe to a great extent depends on your normal routine as well as on the condition of your heart. Start slowly and give your heart a chance to heal completely. Don’t return to any kind of exercise without taking advice from your doctor.
When can you get back to work?
This is case specific and depends on your heart health and also on how stressful your job is. If in case your job is too hard on your heart health then you might have to change your job
Is it okay for you to drive?
Yes. Mostly people who have had a heart attack can drive again after 1 week or so. Talk to your doctor about any concern which you may have and if in case you are a commercial driver talk to your company before you take up driving yet again.
Here’s the path to improved health after you have had a heart attack
There are some clear and specific steps that you have to take for recovering from a heart attack.
Stay away from smoking: Tobacco use stands as one of the major risk factors for heart disease as it typically damages the walls of the blood vessels. Nicotine, which stands as the main chemical in tobacco, raises your blood pressure. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you make a plan to quit
Keep your BP in control: Keep in mind; high BP puts pressure on your blood vessels and on your heart. Talk to the cardiologist in Kolkata to manage your BP. This may include sticking to a low fat diet, exercising and low sodium intake. Monitor your BP level and follow your doctor’s advice on all aspects
Keep your cholesterol levels in check: If your LDLs (bad cholesterol) are high, your doctor will prescribe medicines to help lower it.
Check for diabetes: Remember; having diabetes increases your risk of stroke and heart attack. Getting your diabetes level screened and also talk to your doctor to manage your condition.
Exercise regularly: Exercise supports your heart to pump blood and deliver oxygen to your body. Obesity is a potential risk factor of heart disease. Stick to a heart friendly exercise regime
Eat a heart-healthy diet: Over time a fat laden diet can block your arteries. Unhealthy and processed foods can cause a heart attack or heart failure. Eat foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fats and stick to eating more fruits and vegetables.
Control your stress level: remember; depression and stress can increase your risk of future heart attacks so keep calm and remain stress free.
Things to consider
If in case you have had a heart attack you are at higher risk of ongoing heart problems. Look for emergency medical help if you have critical symptoms-
- Angina or chest pain
- Breathlessness
- Chest tightness
- Pressure in your arms, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea and more..
Treatments for coronary artery disease in Kolkata can help in controlling the cardiovascular disease.
Talk to an experienced cardiologist in Kolkata before it becomes too late!