Regaining Quality of Life After a Heart Attack

After a heart attack, you and your family members will definitely have a lot of questions. This blog aims to help you answer those questions. The more you know about your condition, the better you will feel as it lessens worries and anxieties. There might be questions that will not be covered in this blog, which is why we recommend visiting your doctor as they are the best source of information.

Why Did I Experience a Heart Attack?

A heart attack happens when the arteries of the heart (the coronary arteries) get diseased (atherosclerosis) or become blocked (coronary artery disease). It usually occurs suddenly but the stage was set for this attack many years ago. A heart attack starts from the fatty build-up in the coronary arteries which carry blood and nutrients to the heart muscle, termed as atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a complex process and develops through time. Cholesterol, fats, and other substances in the blood slowly build up in the arterial walls forming a plaque. The diameter of the artery inside becomes small and narrow and impedes blood flow. This causes a heart attack. The blood flow to the heart muscle is shut off causing damage or death of the muscle supplied by the segment of the artery that was blocked. This is known as a myocardial infarction.

Why Did I Not Feel Any Warning Signs That I Am Having a Heart Attack?

Plaque build-up or atherosclerosis often does not present with any symptoms. The absence of any warning signs of a heart attack in an artery that has narrowed may be explained by a process called collateral circulation. This phenomenon happens when the nearby arteries of a blocked vessel expand to help compensate for the blockage. A detour is created to reroute blood to the areas in the heart that are in need of oxygen and nutrient supply. It helps protect the patient by helping the heart get the blood it requires. Collateral circulation in some cases develops after a heart attack and helps the muscle to recover.

Do I Still Need to Rest After a Heart Attack?

It is important for you to rest after a heart attack, but it is just as important for you to participate in recreation and social events and to start making physical activity a part of your daily life. In many cases, doctors will recommend that survivors get more physical activity than they had before their heart attack.

Getting a good night's sleep is crucial for individuals recovering from a heart attack. If you feel tired during the day, taking a short nap or resting can help. It's a good idea for heart patients to take a break before they feel too tired. Your doctor will give you personalized advice based on your situation, but many heart attack patients find that they can do both work and leisure activities with plenty of energy.

What Happens After a Heart Attack?

Experiencing a heart attack can be a challenging and emotional journey. After a heart attack, healthcare professionals work closely with you to provide compassionate care. You may undergo treatments to stabilize your condition, and a personalized plan, including medications and lifestyle changes, will be crafted to support your recovery. Engaging in cardiac rehab offers a nurturing environment, combining exercise with emotional support and education to guide you toward a healthier lifestyle.

 

What are the Goals of Cardiac Rehabilitation?

The goals of cardiac rehabilitation are to:

• Improve your overall heart health
• Enhance your return to a healthy lifestyle
• Increase your understanding of your heart or blood vessel disease and treatment
• Direct you in making the right lifestyle changes to decrease your risk of future cardiovascular problems
• Increase your ability to perform your job and your daily or recreational activities
• Provide you and your family with the support and motivation you need to make important lifestyle changes

The Medical City Cardiovascular Institute (TMC CVI) offers a comprehensive and specialized Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. We offer a customized program of exercise and education. The goals are to help you regain your strength, prevent your condition from getting worse, and reduce your risk of future heart problems. These can add up to a better quality of life.

 

How Long is Heart Attack Recovery?

Most heart attack survivors can go back to their previous activities in a few weeks. The scar that has formed is usually not large enough to interfere with the heart’s ability to pump. It follows then that you do not have to reduce your activities too much, if at all. A change in lifestyle is encouraged, though.

The majority of patients who suffer a heart attack survive their first attack. Most patients fully recover and enjoy many more years of fruitful life after a heart attack.

 

What Can I Expect When Recovering from a Heart Attack?

During your recovery from a heart attack, it's important to approach each day with patience and self-compassion. Initially, you may experience a range of emotions, from anxiety to uncertainty. Your healthcare team is there to provide not only medical guidance but also empathetic support to help you navigate this journey.

Physical recovery often involves a gradual return to activities, starting with supervised exercises in cardiac rehabilitation.

You may also receive education on heart-healthy habits and lifestyle adjustments. This knowledge empowers you to make positive choices for your well-being, from adopting a heart-healthy diet to managing stress effectively.

Emotionally, it's normal to face various feelings during recovery. Don't hesitate to share these emotions with your healthcare providers or seek support from loved ones. You're not alone in this process, and each step forward, no matter how small, is a meaningful part of your healing journey. Remember to be kind to yourself as you progress through recovery.

 

Can You Make a Full Recovery After a Heart Attack?

Absolutely, it's entirely possible to make a full recovery from a heart attack. Your resilience and commitment to your well-being play crucial roles in this journey. With the right medical care, lifestyle adjustments, and emotional support, many individuals have not only regained their health but also gone on to lead fulfilling, active lives.

Remember, your healthcare team is there to guide you every step of the way. Following their advice, taking prescribed medications, and participating in cardiac rehabilitation can contribute significantly to your recovery. It's normal to have concerns and emotions during this time, so don't hesitate to share your feelings with your healthcare providers or seek support from those around you.

Each positive choice you make for your health, no matter how small, is a step toward a brighter and healthier future. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and know that you have the support you need to make a successful recovery.

 

What Kind of Physical Activity Can I Do?

Most heart attack survivors can take walks, play golf, fish, swim, and enjoy similar activities without problems. Actually, physical activity is healthy and is recommended for most heart attack survivors. However, do not engage in any exercise until you first consult with your doctor to find out how much physical activity and exercise you can engage in.

Your doctor can determine the right amount of physical activity for you by giving you special tests on a treadmill, exercise bicycle, or steps. You may be tested in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit as part of a program or in your doctor’s office.

 

What About Sex After a Heart Attack?

Most people can continue the same pattern of sexual activity after they recover from a heart attack. Talk to your doctor. Nitroglycerin may be prescribed if you encounter chest pain (angina) either during or following sexual activity.

When Can I Go Back to Work?

Following a heart attack, individuals typically resume work within a range of two weeks to three months, depending on the severity of the attack. The decision on when to return to work, as well as the suitability of the current job considering the heart condition, will be assessed by your doctor.

 

How Do I Prevent Another Heart Attack?

One of the best gifts you can give yourself is to avail of cardiac rehabilitation services. Everything you require to get and stay healthy is in one place, and medical staff is on hand at all times. Rehabilitation can do a lot to speed up recovery and reduce the chances of future problems.

During your rehabilitation program, you will be asked to exercise using a treadmill, bike, walk, or jog around a track. You will be monitored by a nurse or another health care professional for a change in symptoms. You will be guided to start slowly, following a safe exercise program that helps you to develop strength over time. Progressively, you will be able to move into a more intensive program that allows you to work out longer and harder.

What Lifestyle Changes are Important?

Making changes in your lifestyle is one of the most important things you can do to prevent another heart attack, heart disease, and stroke. The ABCs of prevention are:

Avoid tobacco, vaping, and e-cigarettes — After experiencing a heart attack, the chances of a second occurrence are doubled for individuals who continue to smoke.

Become more active — Regular exercise offers multiple benefits, including stress and depression relief, weight management support, and the promotion of lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Choose good nutrition — Proper nutrition is key to managing weight, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and promoting faster healing for your body.

Even if you are taking prescription medication, it is still extremely important to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Most people survive their first heart attack and return to their normal lives to enjoy many more years of productive activity. But having a heart attack means you need to make some changes in your life. Your doctor will advise you of the medications and lifestyle changes according to how badly your heart was damaged and what degree of heart disease you have. It is up to you to follow your doctor's recommendations so that you will be able to make a full recovery.

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

For inquiries, you may contact:

CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE

TEL. no. (+632) 988-1000/ (+632) 988-7000 ext. 6314