After a heart attack, it’s important to know what to do and what not to do to protect yourself from further injury or health problems.
Here are some do’s and don’ts for post-heart attack survivors:
Do take it easy: After a heart attack, you may feel like you’re stronger than you are. But pushing yourself too hard may lead to more complications down the road. Take it easy and rest as much as you need to.
Do eat healthy: Many things that are bad for your heart are also bad for your stomach. Make sure to eat healthy foods that will help reduce the risk of another heart attack. This means avoiding unhealthy fats, sugars, processed foods and heavy meals.
Following a post heart attack diet can be challenging, but it is important to do whatever you can to help your body heal
Here are some do’s and don’ts for following a post heart attack diet
Do: Be mindful of your caloric intake. You may need to adjust your usual eating habits, but aim to keep your calorie intake below 1,500 per day. This will help to minimize the risk of weight gain and help to prevent any complications that may arise from being overweight following a heart attack. Don’t: Rush back to your old eating habits. It can be tempting to resume your old eating habits as soon as you start feeling better, but this
Do Eat a Balanced Diet
After a heart attack, it’s important to do everything you can to improve your health. One key way to do this is by following a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. This will help to reduce the risk of future heart problems, as well as other health issues. In addition, eating a balanced diet will help you feel fuller longer, which will help to reduce cravings. If you’re having trouble sticking to a healthy diet after your heart attack, consider enlisting the help of a registered dietitian or another health professional.
Do Avoid Unhealthy Foods and Snacks
After a heart attack, it’s important to avoid eating unhealthy food and snacks. By following these simple guidelines, you can help to improve your overall health and prevent another heart attack from happening.
- DON’T eat high-fat foods or salty snacks
- DO avoid sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages
- DO eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
- DON’T eat fatty meats or overly processed foods
Do Exercise Regularly
A study by the American Heart Association found that people who exercised regularly before their heart attack were less likely to have a cardiac event, such as a stroke or death. Exercise can help improve your blood flow and reduce inflammation, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. The AHA recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Additionally, be sure to eat a healthy diet and avoid smoking.
Do Keep a Close Eye on Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
Following a heart attack, it’s important to keep a close eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If you notice any changes that indicate you may be at risk for another heart attack, or if you have any questions about your health, you should speak with your doctor. Additionally, be sure to take steps to reduce your risk of other cardiovascular diseases by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
Do Talk to Your Doctor about Any Changes You May Need To
Some changes may be necessary if you have had a heart attack. For instance, you may want to talk to your doctor about any changes you may need to make to your diet or physical activity levels. By working together, you can make sure that you continue to live a normal life while recovering from a heart attack.
