Warning Signs to Watch for after Heart Attacks or Heart Surgery.
Experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or heart surgery is pivotal and life-changing. Having survived what the CDC notes is the leading cause of death for both men and women, the after-effects will linger long after the actual attack or surgery itself.
During the recovery period, patients will be incorporating some significant and restrictive dietary and lifestyle changes. No longer being able to eat favorite foods, changing activity levels, and giving up comforting but unhealthy habits all at once can result in feelings of agitation, anxiety, and perhaps even clinical depression, which can be dangerous if left untreated.
If you or others you know are recovering from a heart attack, surgery or stroke, be on the lookout for the following signs and symptoms of depression, and schedule an appointment with a physician if any of these changes are noted:
Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
Lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
Appetite or weight changes
Sleep changes, including insomnia, waking in the early morning hours, or oversleeping
Feeling anxious and restless or feeling sluggish and physically slowed down
Strong feelings of worthlessness or harsh criticism of perceived faults and mistakes
Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things
Recovery from a heart attack or stroke can be a long, uphill process. Go Red For Women offers some healthy living advice to assist patients who have recently experienced a cardiac episode.
AAging Better In-Home Care is available to provide caregivers that are trained to help individuals thrive in the days and months following a heart attack, or heart surgery, if they need some additional assistance at home. Housework, cooking, even laudry can be too much to do after heart surgery or a heart attack and some assistance in the home can be exactly what the doctor orders during recovery from these events.
Call on our expertise and compassionate caregivers to help make life easier, healthier, and happier. Through planning and preparing heart-healthy meals, assisting with physician-approved exercise programs, offering encouragement and support in kicking unhealthy habits such as smoking, providing transportation and accompaniment to follow-up appointments or to pick up prescriptions, our caregivers can do it all for you or your loved one.
Call us any time at 1-866-464-3562 or locally at 208-777-0308 to learn more.
