Supporting elderly heart patients: Doctor gives key steps
After a heart attack, many elders may experience mental and emotional challenges such as depression and anxiety.
After a heart attack, many elders may experience mental and emotional challenges such as depression and anxiety.
After a heart attack, many elders may experience mental and emotional challenges such as depression and anxiety.
When it comes to heart disease, elderly citizens need the greatest attention. It is equally essential to support elders who have recovered from cardiac arrest by understanding their mental and physical condition. Here are some essential points to note while caring for elderly individuals who have survived coronary artery disease.
After leaving the hospital
Even after returning home, the patient should be carefully monitored to ensure stability in health and adequate rest. Regular follow-up examinations are essential to prevent complications, monitor heart function, and ensure proper medication use.
The directions regarding medicines should be followed strictly. As the medication may include drugs such as aspirin, clopidogrel, beta-blockers, statins and diuretics (in the case of a heart attack), which also act as blood thinners, they should be handled with care.
Change in lifestyle
Following a healthy lifestyle can help prevent future heart attacks.
1)Bring down the intake of food items containing saturated fat, salt and cholesterol. Increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables, millets and lean protein (Mediterranean diet) in the daily meals.
2) Regulate the consumption of alcohol and reduce the usage of processed foods.
3) Make light walking a regular practice. Start slowly and gradually increase the pace after observing the body’s response. This simple exercise will help restore heart health.
Make the heart stronger, with care
A programme comprising exercise, awareness and counselling, curated under the supervision of health experts, will definitely benefit elders who have recovered from a heart attack. This programme, customised based on the patient's age and health condition, will significantly support the recovery process.
Control diseases
Take steps to control high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney-related diseases and other associated conditions. For comprehensive care, the services of an expert team, including a physician, endocrinologist, nephrologist, and other specialists, may be required.
Emotional health
After a heart attack, many elders may experience mental and emotional challenges such as depression and anxiety. Offer emotional support and create opportunities for social connections. If needed, counselling and therapy may also be provided. Pay special attention if symptoms such as fatigue, sleeplessness, loss of interest or prolonged sadness are noticed.
Return to health
After a heart attack, the general timeline for recovery is as follows:
First 2–6 weeks: Rest, proper monitoring and light walking.
6–12 weeks: Heart function stabilises; gradually increase physical activity.
3–6 months: Make lifestyle changes and return to normal life.
(The author is Senior Consultant, Cardiology Department, KIMS Health, Thiruvananthapuram)