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Having a heart attack is a life-changing event, and you may feel worried about how to move forward from this trauma. However, there are tasks you can do to live a healthy lifestyle, from meeting with a cardiologist to changing your diet. Here, the medical team at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in Gloversville, NY, shares a few steps you should take after having a heart attack. 

3 Ways to Take Care of Yourself After a Heart Attack

1. Follow Your Medication Plan

The cardiologist may have given you a number of new medicines to take daily. Though it may seem overwhelming to take these pills every day, they will help lower blood pressure and control your heart rate. Buy a pill case with daily sections or set reminders on your phone to keep track of what you take. 

2. Change Your Lifestyle 

cardiologistEat a heart-healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats. Avoid red meat, sugar, high-sodium foods, and trans and saturated fats as much as possible. If you are a smoker, try to quit since this increases your risk of future heart problems. Getting regular exercise is important for heart health as well, but talk to your doctor or cardiologist first before starting any workout program.

3. Take Part in a Rehab Program

A cardiac rehabilitation program is an essential step to recovery. Your cardiologist may recommend you enroll in one after leaving the hospital. Typically, you’ll visit a rehab clinic a few times a week to slowly start a safe, heart-healthy exercise routine in a monitored environment. They also often give nutritional counseling and support and advice for healthy lifestyle changes to improve heart health.

If you’re looking for a hospital and nursing home facility for you or a loved one, visit Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home. They provide exceptional care for people of all ages, including cardiology, adult medicine, ophthalmology, orthopedics, baby delivery, pediatrics, and more. For more information about their cardiologists, visit their website or call (518) 725-8621.

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