Heart attacks should not be taken lightly

BY JOAQUIN ORAMAS

EITHER due to deficiencies in the health system or for personal or family neglect, many individuals around the world with high blood pressure and other conditions that affect the heart, are not receiving the attention recommended for their illness.

According to specialists, current standards for the treatment of hypertension in patients 80 and over verifies this deficiency in distinct risk groups. Family members of older adults must be equally mindful of this situation.

Although hypertension and medicinal treatment increases with age, researchers determined that the control rates for older adults, especially women, were considerably lower.

Clinical trials have shown strong evidence that the risk of strokes and cardiac arrest in older patients can be reduced by keeping blood pressure under control. It is also considered beneficial to reduce pre-hypertension and moderate hypertension.

A heart attack should not be taken lightly; it is very serious. Nevertheless, many people can return to work and regular activities within months of suffering one, if they follow specialists’ recommendations.

Others, in contrast, have to limit their activities if the cardiac muscle has been damaged. The volume of activity allowed depends on the physical condition of the heart. A more healthy heart will be better prepared to begin moving normally.

Doctors say that exercise is beneficial for heart attack victims; it strengthens the heart muscles and makes the individual feel more energized and in control of his or her own health. It also helps to reduce and maintain body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

With a doctor’s approval and supervision, once a patient has satisfactorily passed the early stages of recuperation, tests are conducted to determine the level of activity not to be exceeded in order to avoid further damage.

During testing the heart is monitored while the patient walks on a treadmill. The staff then design an exercise plan based on the results and in accordance with the possibilities and requirements of each case.

The doctor may suggest that the patient begin a rehabilitation plan supervised by physical exercise specialists. In time patients can exercise on their own.

Many patients return to work within one to three months after suffering a heart attack. A change in work or in the manner in which it is carried out could be necessary. Work should recommence slowly and gradually intensify, following a doctor’s advice. There is something that we cannot forget when the patient returns to normal life.

Factors that can make one predisposed to another cardiac incident are: obesity, lack of physical activity, high cholesterol and high sugar levels in the case of diabetics and uncontrolled high blood pressure among others. These require care and moderation.