Now that you've had a heart attack, you and your loved ones have many questions about how to speed up your recovery, according to Pannochka, an online publication for girls and women aged 14 to 35.. net Perhaps you had them back when doctors were not able to effectively help you and you were embarrassed to ask them.

This guide has been developed by the American Heart Association to answer your questions and provide you with information on how you can help yourself..

It is rightly said: the more you know, the less you have to fear..

Life without a doubt.

If you had a heart attack, then you suffered a terrible shock.. Your life is in danger, and it scares everyone around you. Now, even if the doctor assures you that everything will be all right, you are not left with anxiety..

After all that you have been through, it is quite normal that anxiety and fear do not leave you.. But you need to remember that every day the condition of your heart improves - it heals.. Every day you become stronger and more mobile. The worst is behind.

A lot of people have a heart attack every year, so you're not alone.. Most of them return to work and continue to enjoy life.. You have every reason to expect that you, too, will get better..

What are the normal sensations after a heart attack

After suffering a heart attack, you can experience various feelings, but three are most often observed - this is fear, indignation and depression..

Fear is perhaps the most common of the sensations and the most understandable.. Like most people who get sick, you are likely to have thoughts like, “I’m going to die.? How long do I have to live? Whether chest pain (or shortness of breath) will recur? » Such and similar thoughts disturb you, but in time your worries will subside.

Some physical sensations can also cause fear.. For example, before a heart attack, you did not attach much importance to small, soon passing chest pains.. But now you worry about the slightest pain. This is fine. Time will ease your anxiety.

Anger is another common feeling.. You might be thinking \? And why did it happen now, at such an inconvenient time? » Feelings of resentment and bitterness are common sensations after a heart attack.

You may lose patience, and friends and loved ones will annoy you. But before you throw yourself at them, remember that this is normal after a heart attack, that your trouble is not their fault.. Your disappointment is one of the stages of recovery, so accept it as it is. No reason to turn it on your loved ones.

You may also start to mope: feel thrown into the trash and think that you are hopelessly crippled.. You may even have thoughts such as: “What is the point of all this? or " It's natural too.

• One of the biggest fears is that you will no longer be the same as you were before the heart attack.. You are afraid that you will not be able to work as hard, will not be as energetic, will not be a full-fledged spouse and parent anymore. You will even begin to think that now it is too late to realize what you dreamed about.. To a certain extent, everyone in your position experiences the same. Try not to assume the worst.

• It is important to understand here that your fears are normal for a person in your position, but they are not always justified.. You will have time to change your mood, and such thoughts are the result of these changes.. Don't take them too seriously. Focus on rest.

And if something starts to bother you. instead of pretending everything is ok, share your worries with someone you trust. Time will heal most of the discomfort, but you don't have to worry just yet.. Your feelings are not abnormal.

How family members feel?

It is only natural that your heart attack had a great emotional impact on your entire family.. It's business as usual. When you got to the hospital, your loved ones were most likely very scared.. Now they are growing dissatisfied with the fact that your heart attack is not at the right time.. Try to understand that this is not unusual, in fact they do not blame you for anything, although sometimes it seems that this is the case.

Another common feeling that your family members may experience. - guilt. They feel that somehow they are responsible for what happened, that sometimes they did things that could provoke you to have a heart attack.. This is especially true for adolescent children.. Talk to them. Explain to them that although heart attacks happen suddenly, the causes that cause them take years to develop..

If there are any fears and grievances in your family, it is more useful to discuss them frankly.. Do not give free rein to bad feelings - it is detrimental.

How long can depression last

be patient. After a heart attack, it is almost impossible not to feel fear, irritation, or a feeling of uselessness.. In fact, it takes 2 to 6 months (or more) until these feelings subside completely..

You are going through a difficult time, so you, your family and friends need understanding and sympathy.. If you are constantly irritable, depressed, or drink heavily, tell your doctor about it and follow his advice..

How to recognize depression?

There are several signs that real depression is developing..

Let's point out the following:.

• Sleep problems: you have insomnia or, conversely, you constantly want to sleep.

• Poor appetite, food has lost its taste and/or you have lost your appetite.

• Fast fatiguability. You get tired very easily, you have no strength.

• Emotional instability. You experience tension, irritation or arousal, or, on the contrary, you feel sluggish and lethargic.

• Loss of visual acuity. You find it difficult to concentrate.

• Apathy. You have lost interest in your former hobbies (theater, reading, sports, etc.).

• Samoyedism. You feel like a worthless or inferior person.

• Despair. You are not left with thoughts of death or suicide.

• Sloppiness. You don't look after your appearance and don't clean up after yourself..

If any of these symptoms appear, tell your doctor. He will determine if your condition is normal, or if you are developing real depression.. The doctor will prescribe treatment and you will feel better.

Why am I weak now that I'm at home? It's a heartbreak.

In the hospital, you have to stay in bed for a long time, and when you return home, you will certainly feel weak.. The main reason for this is not that your heart is damaged by a heart attack, but that inactive muscles weaken very quickly.. Inefficient muscles lose 15% strength in just a week.

Muscle strength can only be restored through exercise.. That's why your doctor has given you a gradual exercise program that you should do at home.. But even with regular training, it is important to remember that in any case, it will take from 2 to 6 weeks (and more) to return the muscles to normal..

In addition, it must be remembered that the better you were physically prepared before a heart attack, the longer it will take to restore the previous state..

What is the probability of returning to the previous life?

Most people who have had a heart attack can resume activities after a few weeks or months, although certain lifestyle changes will likely be needed..

When the heart is scarred, the scar is usually not large enough to interfere with pumping blood, so do not limit your activity too much..

The vast majority of people who have had a heart attack for the first time recover completely and are engaged in fruitful activities for many more years..

When can you return to work?

80-90% of people who have had a heart attack return to their previous job. Of course, it depends on two things: how much the heart is affected and what the job requires of you.. Some leave their former service and find a new one, with less (physical or mental) stress on the heart.

When I get back to work, will I have to rest all the time after work

Rest and rest are essential. But social life is just as good for you as it is for other people.. In many cases, doctors even recommend that patients who have had a heart attack exercise more than before the heart attack..

A good night's sleep is important for everyone, but especially for those who have had a heart attack.. A short nap or rest is also helpful.. For people with heart disease, it is important to rest before fatigue sets in.. The doctor will tell you what is best for you..

Most heart attack patients soon find that they have enough energy for both work and outdoor activities..

What types of physical activity can you do?

In general, people recovering from a heart attack can walk, play golf, fish, swim without any problems.. Physical activity is beneficial and recommended for most heart patients.. But still, first you need to consult with your doctor about the dose that is acceptable for you..

With the help of special tests on simulators, a "

Will there be chest pains?

Chest pain after a heart attack does not appear in everyone: many do not have them at all.

You may have angina. Angina pectoris is manifested by mild pain or heaviness in the chest, which are caused by the fact that part of the muscle does not receive enough blood (and therefore oxygen) to perform its work..

Therefore, angina pectoris usually manifests itself during and immediately after physical exertion, strong excitement, or after a heavy meal.. If you find yourself prone to angina attacks, tell your doctor. He will prescribe drugs that will relieve or prevent pain..

In addition to drugs, exercise is a good treatment for angina pectoris.. After you have been exercising regularly for some time. you will find that you are able to endure more prolonged physical activity than before.

Attacks of angina pectoris, if they do exist, will happen less and less. This is a consequence of collateral circulation: the heart begins to receive more oxygen and blood..

If an attack of angina pectoris occurs after each small load and becomes more painful, consult a doctor immediately..

Should I expect a second heart attack

Not necessary. Of course, no one can answer this question with complete certainty, but if you follow your doctor's recommendations regarding weight, diet, work, treatment, physical activity and rest, you will be better able to live life comfortably and avoid future heart attacks..

It should also be taken into account the fact that the study of coronary disease every day makes it possible to learn something more about it.. Today, patients with coronary heart disease have more prospects than a few years ago, and in the future the situation will improve. So there's something to hope for.

Dalasyuk R. , Kampat L. , Shevchuk T.

medbe. en.