Experiencing a heart attack can be a frightening and life-altering event. It’s important to know what to expect during recovery after a heart attack so someone that’s had one can get the best care possible. If you or an older adult you love is in recovery after a heart attack, call 214.225.6197 to speak with someone from Ventana’s’ caring and compassionate staff about our rehabilitation services for seniors in Dallas, Texas.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a part of your heart is blocked. This blockage is usually caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. When this happens, the affected area of the heart does not receive enough oxygen and can become damaged.
What Are the Risk Factors for Having a Heart Attack?
Having a heart attack is a severe medical emergency. While there are many risk factors for having a heart attack—such as smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure—anyone at any age can experience one. That’s why it’s crucial to understand how dangerous they can be and how vital it is to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you or someone else is having one.
Risk factors for seniors include a history of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It’s essential for seniors to take their medication as prescribed and follow a healthy diet to reduce the risk of a heart attack. Medication management services from Ventana can help seniors keep track of their maintenance medication schedule and ensure that doses are taken correctly.
What Should Seniors Know About Recovery After a Heart Attack?
Recovering from a heart attack requires lifestyle changes that may take some time. Your doctor may recommend medication and therapy sessions with physical and mental health professionals. You should also follow up regularly with your doctor to ensure that all treatments are going as planned and that your condition improves over time. Additionally, your doctor may suggest dietary changes, other lifestyle modifications, or undergoing rehab for seniors to reduce your risk of another heart attack.
What Are the Benefits of Rehab for Seniors?
Rehab for seniors after a heart attack can be an invaluable part of recovery. Here are the benefits of undergoing rehab as a senior recovering from a heart attack:
- Improved mobility – Physical therapists will help you regain strength in areas that may have been weakened due to lack of use while recovering from your heart attack.
- Improved cardiovascular health – Regular exercise helps strengthen your cardiovascular system by increasing circulation.
- Reduced stress levels – Mental health professionals can help you develop coping skills that will help reduce stress levels.
- Improved nutrition – Nutritionists can create meal plans tailored specifically for those recovering from cardiovascular events.
Improved physical, mental, emotional, and nutritional well-being means increased self-sufficiency for seniors who want to live more independently despite working on recovery after a heart attack.
Find Rehab for Seniors in Dallas at Ventana
Recovering from a heart attack can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Knowing what dangers come with having one and what resources are available during recovery after a heart attack are critical components of successful rehabilitation for seniors who have experienced this serious medical emergency.
If you or someone you love is looking for a senior living community that provides quality care following a cardiac event like a heart attack, contact Ventana today at 214.225.6197 to speak with someone from our caring and compassionate staff. We look forward to helping our members find relief through quality individualized rehabilitation services they can access where they live.