1. Rehabilitate Your Heart
Once diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, it’s important to gather all of the information you can about your condition, and start to work towards a healthier lifestyle. Cardiac rehabilitation usually begins in the hospital after a heart attackor diagnosis of some form of heart disease and involves an exercise and education program designed for your particular situation. The main goal is to help you regain your strength, teach you how to reduce your risk factors and help you realize that you can still live a full and active life.
2. Bed Rest is Not Recommended
When someone had a heart attack in the past, bed rest for the duration of the illness was the norm. The patient only became weaker, more discouraged and depressed, which obviously wasn’t the best approach. Today, physical activity is encouraged as soon as possible to strengthen the heart muscle and improve circulation, endurance and strength. Your cardiac rehab team will work with you to determine your level of fitness, taking into consideration other health problems you may have, and design a program specifically for you. Learning to exercise correctly is the key to good health, and it reduces the chance of injury. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of exercising at least three times a week, remembering to stretch your muscles and warm them up before you begin.
3. Feel Your Best
Initiate some changes in your diet and make healthy choices that reduce your intake of fat, sodium and cholesterol, which will also help you maintain your ideal weight. If you have problems with blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes it’s important to work with your doctor to keep these health risks under control. If diet and exercise alone aren’t getting the numbers where they need to be, he may prescribe medication to help. When you feel your best, you’re more likely to stay active.
4. Remain Optimistic and Active
It may take a little time to adjust to your health diagnosis, and you may experience some level of anxiety and depression, which often results in lack of motivation and inactivity. A positive support system is important during this time, whether it’s family, friends or a local heart-healthy support group. It’s often helpful to talk with other people who have had a similar experience. You physician may suggest antidepressants to help you cope, but the main objective is to remain active and optimistic and to avoid allowing your diagnosis to debilitate you emotionally.
About this Author
Patti Stewart is a freelance writer who’s been taking care of patients as a nurse for 20 years. She has written numerous online health and fitness articles to teach others about the importance of fit living. Stewart has also published health articles for the magazine, “The Art of Growing Young.”
