|
Heart Disease Recovery
By
Libet Callahan |
 Rockland
- February is American Heart Month, an opportunity to
raise awareness of heart disease, the number one cause of
death for men and women in the U.S. More than 81 million
people suffer from life-threatening conditions including
coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and high blood
pressure. Each day, nearly 2,300 people die of heart disease
— one every 38 seconds. And women are increasingly becoming
victims of this pernicious disease (it is estimated that one
in three women over the age of 65 suffer from heart
disease). However, because of advances in heart surgery and
patient care, seniors who suffer from heart attacks and
chronic heart disease can learn to live with their
conditions and continue leading healthy lives.
Suffering from a heart attack and adjusting to life with
heart disease can be a challenging and difficult experience
for seniors and their loved ones. A support network of
family and friends can be a tremendous resource to help
seniors implement the lifestyle changes necessary for a
successful recovery and make the adjustment easier.
If your loved one has recently been hospitalized as a result
of a heart attack, you should discuss the following with
their doctor:
• What complications should we be aware of? If
your loved one suffered a severe heart attack, he or she
could be at risk for complications such as arrhythmia,
congestive heart failure or stroke. Discuss with the doctor
how to recognize the signs of developing complications as
well the symptoms of a second heart attack.
• What medications will my loved one need?
Medications often prescribed for patients suffering from a
heart attack include statins, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers
and aspirin. Discuss with the doctor how to help your loved
one manage his or her medications and understand the side
effects of each prescribed drug.
• How long will my loved one need care? Find
out what types of rehabilitation and therapy services your
loved one will need, including physical therapy,
occupational therapy, speech therapy or cardiac
rehabilitation. Depending on the severity of the heart
attack, your loved one may require more help than you can
provide. Professional in-home care organizations can provide
respite for family caregivers, offering services including
medication reminders, transportation to followup
appointments, light housekeeping and healthy meal
preparation.
• What dietary changes will my loved one need to make?
A healthy diet is one of the best ways to lower the risk of
additional heart attacks. Your loved one’s doctor or
nutritionist can help develop guidelines for a
heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat and salt with a
variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, fish
and low-fat dairy products.
• When can my loved one resume his or her normal
activities? In many cases, a heart attack patient
can resume normal activities within a few months. Your loved
one’s doctor can help set a realistic timeline for recovery
based on the severity of the heart attack and how well they
are responding to the rehabilitation treatment.
Family caregivers play an important role in the recovery of
heart attack patients. Seniors can remain positive and
healthy for many years following a heart attack when they
receive physical and emotional support from family, friends
and professionals who may assist with their recovery and
rehabilitation. |
About The Author
Libet Callahan RN, BSN is the President and Owner of
Right at Home Homecare in Rockland and serves families
throughout the South Shore. Right at Home provides
companion, homemaker and personal care services that enable
seniors and others to remain in the comfort of their own
home for as long as possible. Libet is a graduate of
Columbia University School of Nursing and has worked in
community nursing on the South Shore for many years. Libet
may be reached at (781) 681-3545 or email at libet@rah-southshore.com.
|
|
