Caring for your heart at home

Healthy Eating

We have all heard that a ‘healthy diet’ is important for maintaining good heart health and imperative for those who have suffered a heart event. Visualising what this ‘healthy diet’ is and maintaining it in the longer term is far more difficult.

Healthy eating isn’t about a weight loss diet but rather reviewing the types and quantity of food you consume over a longer period of time. Ensure that your diet includes a wide range of foods with particular focus on fresh, unrefined foods such as lean proteins, fruit, vegetables and wholegrains.

This doesn’t mean you can’t reward yourself with an occasional treat but it should be occasional.

For healthy eating advice, specific to your current situation, please discuss with your Cardiologist.

Other resources to assist you in maintaining a healthy heart: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-health-education/healthy-eating

Exercise

Exercise is important for both maintaining cardiovascular health and restoring health following a cardiovascular event or intervention. When embarking on a new exercise regimen it is important to build gradually. Exercise can help manage your weight, regulate your blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

We encourage you to discuss with your Cardiologist regarding any limitations you should place on your exercise before commencing and whether any further testing is required before starting a new exercise program. Try and build regular physical activity into your standard daily regimen; park further away and walk, take the stairs rather than the lift.

Resources: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-health-education/physical-activity-and-exercise

Smoking Cessation

Smoking increases the deposition of atherosclerotic plaque (cholesterol and inflammatory cells) in the walls of arteries. This increases your risk of a heart attack, stroke or peripheral vascular disease.

Smoking cessation can be very difficult and we are happy to talk about strategies that may lead to success. We also suggest you discuss this with your friends and family to gain their support and your general practitioner to explore possible pharmacological support. Quitline can also be a very helpful resource (13 7848).

Resources: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/recovery-and-support/heart-attack-recovery-quit-smoking

Mental Wellbeing

It is very common for people to notice significant emotional instability and anxiety following a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. This is often called the ‘cardiac blues’ and while in most cases it is momentary in some cases it may lead to clinical depression. Regardless of the severity of any symptoms you may develop, it is important to acknowledge them and find someone you can speak openly with; family, friends or your cardiologist.