Keeping your heart healthy
Late December through early January can be a dangerous time for people with heart problems — and that’s especially true for those who’ve already suffered one heart attack. Though researchers don’t know exactly why there’s an extra risk for cardiac death, they note a number of potential factors, including increased stress from family interactions, strained finances and travel, plus changes in diet and alcohol consumption. “Factors like cold weather, stress and dietary indiscretion can contribute to a chain of events leading to more stress on the heart,” says Dr. Jorge Plutzky, an American Heart Association volunteer. Here are strategies experts recommend to avoid a second heart attack:
Communicate with your physicians.
Talking to your cardiologist or primary care physician is a key strategy for avoiding a second heart attack, an occurrence that’s common among people who’ve suffered one such episode. About 550,000 people in the U.S. have a first-time heart attack each year, and another 200,000 have a recurrent heart attack, according to the AHA. About 21 percent of women and 17 percent of men age 45 and older will have a second heart attack within five years of their first one, the AHA says. Tell your doctors you want to do whatever you can to prevent another heart attack, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute advises. Ask for advice on how to develop a heart-healthy lifestyle. If your physician says something you don’t understand, ask for an explanation in plain language.
Anticipate your needs.
Be careful not to run out of your heart medication during the busy holiday season, says Dr. Warren Wexelman, a cardiologist with NYU Langone Cardiology Associates in New York City. People in cold weather regions where it snows should be vigilant about keeping their prescriptions filled before inclement weather strikes. “If you’re down to your last pill and 2 feet of snow is about to fall, and you won’t be able to get to the pharmacy, you’re in trouble,” Wexelman says. If your current prescription is running low, call your pharmacist and, if necessary, your insurance company to explain why you need the prescription refilled before it’s expired.
Understand your risks.
If you’ve already experienced one heart attack, you should know your risks and physical limitations, says Dr. Richard Kovacs, a cardiologist at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis. Talk to your cardiologist or primary care physician to better understand your risks for a second heart attack and how to avoid it. They will advise you on what activities you should stay away from, Kovacs says. That could include shoveling, walking in the snow or even driving in inclement weather, which can put added stress on the heart, the doctor says.
Complete a cardiac rehab program.
Any person who’s survived a heart attack should complete a cardiac rehabilitation program under the supervision of a cardiac rehab specialist, Kovacs says — it will help prevent a second one from happening. These programs consist of education on how to exercise safely, ways to reduce stress and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart distress, such as shortness of breath and chest discomfort. The curriculum includes instruction on overall strategies for heart-healthy living. The typical cardiac rehab program includes 36 supervised visits over 12 weeks, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Adjust to the weather.
People who’ve survived a heart attack or who have heart disease should not go outside at all in sub-zero weather and should be careful about physical activity in cold weather and consider healthy indoor activities, Wexelman says. Cold weather contracts blood vessels and raises your blood pressure, which puts more stress on your heart, he notes. “When you’re cold, your heart has to work harder to keep your body warm,” he says. “It’s going to put a tremendous demand on the heart, which may not be able to keep up.” If you do go outside in cold weather, dress in layers, don’t over-exert yourself and try to limit your time outside, Wexelman advises.
Maintain a heart-healthy diet.
Between sitting inside planes, trains and automobiles for hours at a time to visit loved ones and attending parties where rich foods and sugary snacks and desserts are served, it’s easy to put on a couple additional pounds at the end of the year. Extra weight can be bad for your heart; it makes it work harder. To maintain a healthy weight, eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean fish and meats. Oatmeal, for instance, can help lower your levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, and salmon contains fatty acids that can help reduce your blood pressure and let your heart work more efficiently. Avoid foods high in sodium, like canned vegetables and cold cuts, which can increase your blood pressure, and french fries, which can raise your LDL levels.
Manage your stress.
Some people feel stressed about whether they’ll keep their New Year’s resolutions or brood about their career goals for the coming year. Stress can lead to anger, which is a common trigger for a heart attack, according to the NHLBI. Some people cope with stress by drinking heavily or overeating, habits that can lead to obesity and diabetes, which are risk factors for a heart episode. Your doctor can advise you on a stress management program that will help you deal with the stress in a positive way as the calendar turns.
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How to Avoid a Second Heart Attack originally appeared on usnews.com
