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When You Survive a Heart Attack It Shouldn’t End Your Life
Heart attacks happen when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked. If it is not stopped that section of muscle becomes damaged from lack of oxygen and dies. It most often occurs as a result of coronary artery disease (build up of fatty material in the arteries over a period of years).
Every year 1.1 million people in America suffer a heart attack and almost half of them die from them. Many of these people could have lived if they had gotten help faster.
On the bright side, though many people survive them and live full lives. If you get help and treatment quickly the damage to your heart muscle will be less and this improves your chances for a quality life after a heart attack if you do suffer from one.
If you suffer a heart attack, you will undoubtedly be treated for coronary artery disease to prevent you from having another attack. Some things your doctor may recommend are lifestyle changes. This can include things like quitting smoking, getting more exercise, losing weight and eating a healthy balanced diet. You doctor may prescribe medicines to control chest pain, hypertension or high cholesterol. He may also suggest a cardiac rehab program.
After suffering a heart attack most people can go back to their usual routine within a few weeks. You can usually begin walking immediately and sexual activity can begin within a few weeks. You can also usually begin driving within a few weeks also. Every state has laws about driving following any serious illness.
Once a person has a heart attack, they often worry about having another one. A person may feel depressed. Speak to your doctor if this happens to you as he can prescribe medicine or counseling if you have depression or anxiety. Keep in mind that physical activity can improve your heart health as well as mental status.
Having a heart attack puts you at risk for having another. It is very important to know the difference between a heart attack and chest pain that is angina. Angina pain usually goes away in a few minutes when you take your medication and rest for a few minutes. A heart attacks pain is usually more severe and does not go away in a few minutes after rest or medication. If you are not sure which type of pain you are having it is best to err on the side of caution.
Remember also that the symptoms of a heart attack can be different for different people and different even for the same person at different times. So if you are in doubt do not take any chances and get help quickly.