Reducing the Risk of a Second Heart Attack

25 percent of people who have a heart attack will have a second one. However, approximately 80 percent of heart attacks can be prevented. That means that if your aging relative has had a heart attack, there are ways for them to lower the risk of having a second one. Below are some steps that can lead to better heart health and prevent a second heart attack.

Manage Conditions

If your older family member has conditions that are risk factors for heart problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, it’s important that they follow the doctor’s advice for managing the conditions. They need to take medications as instructed and make the appropriate lifestyle changes.

Home care can help older adults to follow the instructions given by their doctors for managing conditions, including reminding them to take medications at the appropriate times.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is a serious risk factor for heart attack. Using tobacco can cause blood clots and harm blood vessels. If your aging relative smokes, they should speak to the doctor about how to quit. The doctor can suggest smoking cessation techniques and even prescribe medications to help them quit.

Home care can offer encouragement and support when seniors are trying to quit smoking.

Follow the Doctor’s Instructions

After a heart attack, most people are prescribed medications to prevent additional heart problems. Seniors should not skip doses or take more than prescribed. It’s also important for them to go to cardiac rehab and follow up medical appointments.

Home care providers can help by driving the older adult to the pharmacy to pick up medications and to rehab and other medical appointments.

Exercise Regularly

Talk to the doctor about what kind of exercise is appropriate and safe for your older family member. Once they have been cleared to exercise, they should work up to exercising about 30 minutes per day on 5 or more days of the week.

Home care providers can monitor the senior while they exercise, helping them to feel safer. Home care providers can also go for walks with the older adult or drive them to an exercise class.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is important to improving and maintaining heart health. A heart healthy diet is one that decreases salt, sugar, and bad fats. It focuses on plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains as well as healthy sources of protein.

Home care providers can cook balanced meals that follow the guidelines for heart health.

Sources
https://www.heart.org/en/around-the-aha/how-to-help-reduce-your-risk-of-another-heart-attack
https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/reduce-risk-second-heart-attack
https://www.verywellhealth.com/heart-attack-prevention-1746024

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING HOME CARE IN URBANDALE, IA, FOR A SENIOR LOVED ONE, CONTACT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF DES MOINES, IA AT 515-631-5033. OUR CARING STAFF CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS!