What to Expect Recovering from a Heart Attack

Senior Heart Health  |  February 18, 2019

Everything Seniors Need to Know About Heart Attack Recovery

Recovering from a Heart Attack | With proper medical attention, heart attack survivors can continue to live for many more years, however, their lives might be considerably changed.

Depending on the severity of the heart attack, also known as acute myocardial infarction (AMI), people over 65 may need at least 8 weeks of recovery time. Older adults may be even more prone to complications, which would necessitate additional care.

What lifestyle changes can be expected after a heart attack?

Depression, fear, and anger affect at least one-fourth of heart attack victims afterward. But, as regular daily activities resume, the negative effects diminish. Your loved one needs rest, and to return to previously enjoyed hobbies. Sharing feelings with family members, a close friend, clergy, or support group is healthy.

Recovering from a Heart Attack – Week One

For at least the first week a heart attack patient is home, he or she will feel weak or exhausted. This is normal because heart attacks damage heart muscle and bed rest in the hospital creates further weakness from lack of activity.

Follow doctors’ advice, of course, but when a patient arrives home, there are usually expectations of the patient being able to dress daily, bathe, and take care of personal hygiene.

Energy, strength, and stamina increase from walking. A slow, incremental return to home duties such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry will help the patient feel normal again. Seniors in recovery may need to learn energy-conserving techniques from an occupational therapist or caregiver. Lifting, pushing, and pulling heavy objects must be avoided until the doctor approves.

Heart Healthy Diet

A heart-healthy diet will most likely be recommended, often somewhat restricted. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes with small amounts of high-quality protein foods are best. Complex carbohydrates can increase energy reserves, but simple carbs and high-sugar foods are best avoided.

Medications

Medications may be prescribed to prevent blood clots and improve heart performance. Prescriptions may be given for irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, or pain and discomfort. The proper dosage must be taken exactly as prescribed, sometimes with food or on an empty stomach, and sometimes alternating days or times of the day.

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elder Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with retirement care, 24-hour care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers®’ are trained caregivers who help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Home Care Edmonton

To learn more about senior care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office to discuss our unique service offering. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Is Invoicing Modelling and Client Direct Home Care the Right Option for You?

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Recently awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada, our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

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