HEART

How to live after cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disorders can result from phasic or motor sequelae. The patient is obliged to follow and comply with treatment in order to avoid a recurrence and prevent possible complications. Thus, after a cardiac accident, it is vital that the patient and his or her family take steps to avoid any risk. A cardiovascular attack always occurs suddenly and all the patient's landmarks can collapse within a few minutes. Psychological support can therefore be indispensable in some cases.

Cardiac rehabilitation after cardiovascular disease

The patient's life changes radically after a cardiovascular disease. It is the lifestyle to which he or she has always been accustomed that will be turned upside down. They will have to banish smoking and adopt a new way of eating. In fact, this adaptation will allow him to conform to a healthy lifestyle and aim for emotional and physical health. The rehabilitation program requires the intervention of several specialists, including:

In a first step, specialists will assess the patient's physical abilities, limitations and risk factors. The exercises will consist of working the muscles and improving the cardiovascular condition.

Psychological support will be essential to manage anxiety and depression, the main sources of concern for the patient after the attack.

Possible problems identified during rehabilitation exercises

Patients suffering from cardiovascular disease can practise their rehabilitation exercises at home, provided they have the appropriate programme. Rehabilitation exercises are designed to improve the patient's well-being. They contribute to:

However, supervision by a specialist is essential to avoid any risk of relapse, as cardiovascular disease is delicate. Certain signs should alert the patient or family member if they occur during or after the sessions. For example, the patient may have mottled skin or a certain pallor. He or she may feel pain in the stomach, jaw, neck, arm or chest. They may be out of breath for more than 10 minutes or feel dizzy. His heart may beat irregularly or very fast. He may eventually vomit and experience nausea or cold sweats. Their legs may be painful or swollen. He may be subject to weakness or even fainting. If any of these symptoms occur, report them immediately to the supervisor.

The life of the patient with cardiovascular disease after a heart attack Patients with cardiovascular disease can return to work after their stroke provided they have undergone cardiovascular rehabilitation. However, this also depends on the type of profession he or she practices. It takes an average of 6 weeks of rehabilitation to get back into shape and gradually recover.

The exercises of the rehabilitation programme

These will mainly be ergometer exercises, muscle exercises, relaxation sessions and balneotherapy. Exercising on a bicycle or treadmill will measure the patient's maximum capacity. This will be based on the perception of effort and the displayed heart rate. If necessary, the exercises can also be used to work muscle groups. For example, hamstrings, quadriceps and high back muscles should be exercised without tiring the patient.

Essential facilities

In some cases, adjustments to the work environment are required. The intervention of the occupational physician may be required in this area. He will redefine the activity so as to lighten the patient's tasks in accordance with his condition. In this way, the tasks to be performed can be modified. Travel schedules will also be redefined. The resumption of work depends on the degree of recovery of the organism. Indeed, the heart muscle takes 3 weeks to heal.

Resumption of activities recommended after a cardiovascular disease

The risk of recurrence after cardiovascular disease is reduced when the patient remains active after the attack. The heart muscle should be strengthened with various exercises, provided these are not exhausting. However, it is essential that the patient's general condition allows it. The physical and mental aspects are of great importance in this respect. The patient will have to be willing to do this. Regular physical exercise is recommended after a cardiovascular disease, especially running, swimming, walking, hiking. Sauna sessions can be beneficial to the patient by reducing the heart rate and blood pressure. Activity is like medicine for the patient after a cardiovascular attack.