3 Common Mistakes Heart Attack Patients Make
All too often, people go through life never thinking about the foods they eat or the lifestyle they live. They do what they want to do, that is until something snaps them back into reality, and they are forced to do something about their health. If you have already suffered through a heart attack already, there is an excellent chance that you are going to end up having another one later on down the line.
By making a couple of changes in your life, you can help to reduce the risk of having another one. Sadly, many people don't understand what is good for them. Don't make one of these crucial mistakes when your health is at risk.
Not Making Changes in Your Lifestyle
While it might seem difficult to learn how to eat right, exercise regularly or quit smoking, it is one of the best moves you can make concerning your health. To prevent another heart attack from occurring, monitor your cholesterol levels, lose weight, stop smoking, eat right, exercise on a regular basis, keep your diabetes under control and keep your blood pressure in normal range.
Ditching Exercise
Regular exercise is great for your heart. Make sure to speak with your doctor about what exercises you should be doing and how much. By following their program, you can control your risk of issues relating to cholesterol, your weight, blood sugar and blood pressure. Cardiac rehab programs are a great starting point.
Tossing the Heart Medications
Regardless of what you might think you know, you shouldn't ditch the heart meds without first speaking with your doctor. Discuss your treatment options to figure out what the meds are going to do for your health. Figure out which ones have the least amount of side effects and are the most cost-effective for your budget. Also consider which ones you will feel comfortable taking and which ones work for your condition the best.
It doesn't matter how much you think you know about your health, you should never attempt to diagnose yourself and ditch the treatment plan given to you by your doctor. Speak with the medical professional who treated you and discuss any concerns you might have and what you can do. They have your best interest at heart, so don't be afraid to open up and get the answers you seek. It's far better to be proactive than it is to end up suffering from another heart attack from your own negligence.
For more information, contact Cayuga Medical Center or a similar location.