Dear Heart Attack Survivor

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dear heart attack survivor: the advice i wish you were given the day after

written by

TheWellnessPhysio

Updated February 18, 2019

“For some time after your heart attack you’ll feel very vulnerable. The one thing you thought you could trust – your body- has literally attacked you and put your life in danger”.

Dear Heart Attack Survivor…. (Yes, You!)

Or may I say heart disease fighter… and friend.

Your life likely didn’t go the way you planned nor the way you wanted it to go.

A heart attack is a big issue to have to deal with.

I’m sure every twinge has you feeling terrified, ready to reach for the phone and call the paramedics.

Of course, I could tell you that this is mostly due to your anxiety, but would you believe it?

It’s better to be safe then sorry though isn’t it, or that’s what you’d tell yourself.

You may even get to the point where you stay awake at night, because you fear not waking up. That won’t last, you’ll eventually fall asleep no matter how much you resist.

You know what else will happen? … You’ll wake back up in the morning.

And you will continue to wake up.

Usually right about now, I think the tendency from most people would be to say “I’m sorry for what you’re going through”

I’m gonna hold off on that, because my gut tells me that you’re probably not looking for any sympathy right now.

Instead I rather offer my support and guidance.

So, my advice to you is to have patience during your recovery period.

That includes whether you’ve had a heart attack or a heart surgery.

Don’t rush it…and don’t expect a complete recovery in a week.

Imagine a flight from NYC to LAX…it takes about 5 hours… that same return flight back from LAX to NYC will also take 5 hours.

I say this to make a point…

It took you quite a while to get your body to the “breaking point” you’re in now.

Therefore, it will also take time for you to recover from that, but I believe you can do it.

Let’s Imagine

I’d like to share the experience a patient of mine had, and just imagine yourself in their shoes as this story might sound familiar.

Imagine, one week ago last year, having a heart attack (myocardial infarction), which almost took your life. You are a 57-year-old and otherwise quite healthy. You’re out in the front lawn, doing some gardening and planting some pots. Moving the soil with your wheelbarrow, when all of sudden your breathing becomes REALLY HARD!

Then all of sudden now you start sweating heavily, you sit down and try to gather yourself. Immediately a heart attack comes to mind, and now you’re all up in a frenzy thinking… “crap this can’t be happening”.

A few minutes later, your chest begins to tighten up, from shoulder to shoulder. Like a heavy weight is sitting on your chest. Then the pain starts. The chest pain starts to build from 4/10 to 5/10 and up.

The EMT’s arrive and try to slow down your breathing. A few minutes later the ambulance takes you to the hospital. The whole ride, you get the feeling you might be dying. It hurts so bad you can’t describe it. Your body starts to shake as if somebody had thrown you in some ice water.

At the hospital hours later, you find out that a stent was placed in your LAD (left anterior descending artery). This small balloon and metal (or plastic) stent has been put in through your groin area, and saved your life. If that wasn’t a fear factor enough, the doctor lets you know that this is the worst kind of heart attack (myocardial infarction) you can have. At the hospital, they call it the “widow maker”.

After being in hospital 48 hours you’re completely stable and able to go home. It’s quite an event to go through. Frustration, fear of dying, and fear of leaving loved ones behind.

What happens next? What kind of recovery exercises if any do you have to do? What precautions do you have to take on from here on out?

1. Your Body Is Not Giving Up

It’s normal to think after having a heart attack that your body is breaking down and giving up on you. That’s not the case, your body is just telling you that you need to give it some more TLC. It’s been telling you this for a while, but you’ve just ignored it, because it’s easier to shrug it off as nothing. The heart attack was your body shouting out loud and clear, so that you would pay attention and listen. Now you must start listening to your body in order to allow it to repair and heal.

2. Your future has not been decided for you

It’s very easy to feel frustrated and feel like you want to just quit. Each day and activity afterwards are a learning curve. You shouldn’t let your diagnosis be your prognosis or crystal ball prediction of what your future holds. Nobody else controls your future, it is in your hands only. And your attitude in how you tackle it and move forward, is everything.

3. Cardiac Rehab Definitely Makes A Difference

The evidence shows that regular exercise can prevent heart disease. Atherosclerosis is the buzzword which just means your heart vessels become narrow, because of certain lifestyle choices you make. Exercise can reduce the narrowing of your blood vessels. A structured exercise program such as cardiac rehab helps get your strength back after a recent heart attack or surgery. The astonishing thing is not many people know about it or participate in one. Unless you’re a very disciplined individual who exercises “faithfully” on their own, a monitored structured program is what you need for your recovery. It will help you reach heights well beyond what you think.

Don’t know where to start after having a heart attack?

Let’s Have A One-on-One Talk To Find Out If My Cardiac Rehab Program Is Right For You.

4. Start With Gradual Changes

How do you start if you are in such bad shape? What could you do alone if it’s not easy for you to have access to a gym? The best way to start cardiovascular exercise especially if you’re unfit is just to walk. After all we do this every day, so we already know how to do it without causing any harm. The food you eat has an affect on your heart as well. Changing your diet can become complex and overwhelming very quickly. So, start off with a small change and make a huge difference. Eliminate salt from your diet which in return reduces the amount of sodium you eat. It’s the excess sodium (coming from salty foods) that makes your body retain fluid. This causes your heart to have to work harder to pump all the fluid through your body, resulting in an increase in your blood pressure.

Take action now and don’t wait.

Starting today put yourself first and make your health and future top priority.

don’t forget to share this article and help others just like you!

About the author

TheWellnessPhysio

I’m Jeancarlo Alencastro, and I’m on a mission to help you feel better, stay active and have a better quality of life. For 10 years in the U.K. and the USA, I’ve helped young athletes and older adults remain active members of their community. I founded Physically Empowered: Therapy & Wellness, in order to focus on providing value every minute of every session, so that it would carry over when I’m not there. As an Athletic Trainer and Physiotherapist, my role is to simplify everything that’s important to know in this over-complicated and overwhelming health and wellness world. If you want work together or have questions lets Arrange To Speak.

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