After enduring a heart attack, it’s typical to go through a wide array of emotions: relief that the experience is over, uncertainty about what could possibly have induced the attack, and worry about the prospect of it occurring a second time, to name just a few. The good news is there are measures that heart attack survivors can take to greatly lower their chance of a second incident.
Needless to say, in advance of making any lifestyle changes, it’s important to consult with the doctor. With his or her consent, the senior care specialists at Inspired Home Care advocate the tips below:
- Abide by the prescribed medication plan. Often, when a patient is feeling better, the tendency is to cease taking medications. However, post-heart attack prescription medications are intended to greatly decrease the danger of a subsequent attack, and thus are crucially important to continue.
- Stay on course with follow-up appointments. Life gets hectic, and as with prescription meds, it’s not uncommon for seniors to slack off on keeping regular medical appointments. Again, it’s crucial to a person’s recovery and continued heart health to see the physician as often as advised. And if transportation is an issue, Inspired Home Care can help.
- Make wise lifestyle choices. Heart attack risk factors include smoking, an inactive lifestyle, and poor dietary habits. Making changes to live a healthier life by making improvements in any of these areas is worthwhile.
- Seek out support. Partnering with those who’ve survived a similar trauma is a great way to find strength and reassurance following something as life-changing as a heart attack. The American Heart Association’s online support group is a good place to begin.
If you’re looking for senior care in Algonquin or a nearby area following a heart attack, Inspired Home Care is here to assist with your recovery. Our care team is thoroughly trained and experienced in a variety of services that can improve heart health, such as planning and preparing healthy meals, providing transportation to medical appointments and procedures, offering encouragement to engage in physical activity, and so much more. Contact us at 847-787-7572 for assistance in maintaining optimal health and wellbeing for yourself or a senior loved one. Visit our Locations Served page to learn more about all the communities we serve.