|
|
|
|
MICHIGAN CARDIOLOGY
Leading the way as one of the top Michigan cardiology and Michigan heart care hospitals with a full array of cardiac treatments and programs that set new standards for heart care every day, that's the St. Joseph Mercy Oakland way. From heart valve replacement to coronary artery bypass, our doctors are at the forefront of heart procedures and treatments.
|
|
|
CLICK HERE FOR A FREE COPY
OF THE MEDICAL REPORT
|
|
THE FACTS ABOUT Life After a Heart Attack
Background
Every year, thousands of people survive heart attacks. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the majority of these individuals will return to work and resume normal lives. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks. If a heart attack is more severe, however, it may take a few months to fully recover.
|
Podcast Posted: 08/10/2007
Duration:
|
|
|
|
“It's important to understand that heart attacks are common,”says William Gordon, MD. “If you do what you’re told by your doctor, your chances of living a normal life and avoiding another heart attack are good.” When it comes to a healthy heart, doctors are learning more and more about the benefits of lifestyle changes and medications — such as diet and exercise. “These factors are vitally important,” says Gordon, MD. “We see people who had heart attacks twenty years ago — and have not had another once since.”
Physical activity is recommended for most heart attack survivors.Exercises such as walking, swimming, cross-country skiing, and cycling are excellent ways to get back into shape.
Establishing regular sleep patterns and getting a good night’s sleep are important during the recovery process.
Patient adherence to suggested low-fat diets and maintaining a healthy weight are critical for heart attack survivors.
Doctors recommend that heart attack survivors quit smoking,since smokers significantly increase their chances of having another heart attack.
Blood pressure and cholesterol levels should be monitored on a regular basis.
Patients should take all medications prescribed by a physician,including aspirin on a regular basis. Aspirin has been shown to benefit both men and women after a heart attack. Additionally,ACE inhibitors may be prescribed to treat high blood pressure,and beta-blockers to relieve stress on the heart. Patients may also need to take cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Please call the SJMO physician referral line at 800.372.6094 to find an SJMO cardiologist near you.
|
|
|
|
|
|