If you’ve just been diagnosed with a heart attack, you might have a lot of questions about what to do next. This article is for you. You’ll find answers to the most common questions that arise after a heart attack and stent.
What should I eat? What can I do to help myself? When can I exercise again? How long will it take for me to recover? And more.
Here are 7 things you need to know after a heart attack and stent.
What to eat after a heart attack and stent
after a heart attack
Once you’ve had a heart attack, it’s important to follow the doctor’s orders. Your doctor will likely recommend that you avoid certain foods for the time being. They may base this on your lab results or on their judgment.
If you don’t know what foods to avoid, you can ask your physician or dietician. But there are some general things to avoid after a heart attack, like fried foods and red meat. The goal is to reduce inflammation in your body by eating things that are lighter and easier on your system.
What should I eat after a heart attack?
It's best to drink lots of fluids. Try drinking water with lemon or another healthy alternative like green tea. You might also want to eat vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, fruits, nuts and seeds—all high-fiber foods that are delicious and good for our bodies!
When to resume exercise
You may be told to limit your physical activity for a few weeks after a heart attack and stent, but where do you start?
If you're feeling well and cleared by your cardiologist, start with light aerobic exercise like taking a walk. If you're ready for heavier exercise, try lightweight lifting.
When it comes to high-intensity exercises like running or soccer, talk to your cardiologist first. You may need to wait longer before returning to these activities.
How long will it take for me to recover?
The recovery process is different for everyone. It will depend on what your heart rate and blood pressure were before your heart attack, and how old you are.
A younger person who had a low heart rate and blood pressure before their attack may be back to normal in about two weeks while an older person with a high heart rate and blood pressure may take longer.
There's no way of knowing exactly how long it'll take for you to recover after a heart attack, but the sooner you have the stent implanted, the quicker you'll start recovering.
If you're still struggling with any of these questions, talk to your cardiologist or consult our forums on WebMD's Heart Health site. We have lots of people who are willing to help.
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What to expect in the hospital
One of the most common questions people have after a heart attack is what to expect in the hospital.
You’ll be admitted to the hospital for a few hours or a couple of days. You might be monitored for a few days with a device that attaches to your chest and records your heartbeat. Your doctor may order some tests, like an MRI or CT scan, if he suspects another problem with your heart.
In most cases, you’ll need to stay in the hospital until your symptoms go away and you can handle physical activity without feeling overwhelming symptoms like shortness of breath or pain.
After a heart attack When can I go back to work?
When you get a stent, you should take at least three days off work. This is the minimum amount of time the doctors recommend for rest and recovery.
If you can't take that much time off, it's important to talk to your doctor about when you can go back to work. If possible, try to schedule your return within two weeks of getting your stent.
During this time, it's a good idea to stick with light duties and avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activities. You might also want to plan on taking a break from driving for one week after getting a heart stent.
Tips for when I get home
1. You won’t be able to drive for a while
2. Take it easy for at least a few weeks
3. Eat a diet that is rich in potassium and low in sodium
4. Avoid taking any aspirin or other blood-thinning drugs
5. Ask your doctor about exercise
6. Keep track of your medications and communicate with your pharmacist
7. Stay connected with friends and family
What are the warning signs of a heart attack?
There are actually many types of heart attacks, but the most common is an acute myocardial infarction (MI). An MI happens when there's a sudden blockage of blood to the heart. This will cause pain or discomfort in your chest, neck, jaw, shoulder, arm, or upper back.
Other symptoms you may notice are shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, excessive sweating/pale skin color (especially on the face), lightheadedness/dizziness, and chest pain or discomfort that lasts more than two minutes.
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