It has been nearly five months since my “mild” heart attack. As a physician I understand my doctor’s use of the word “mild.” It was used to describe the fact that there was minimal damage to my heart and I am truly blessed and grateful for that fact. The impact on my life however has been anything but minor.
After the “event” I took two weeks to rest and begin to get back on my feet. I then started cardiac rehabilitation, which for me was very important as it allowed me to explore how much I could exert myself without causing harm. Over the next few months I gradually increased my exertion and exercise and am currently doing more than I was before.
Having a life-threatening event like a heart attack really grabs you by the lapels and makes you sit up and take notice. I am still angry that this “happened to me” but I have worked hard to make it a part of my personal history and not let it define me. This process of introspection started when I was alone; lying in my bed in the intensive care unit, immediately after they placed the stent in my heart on that fateful day. I reviewed and prioritized everything in my life. This was a very powerful analysis and one that helped me chart the course of the rest of my life. As a result some commitments are gone and I am more focused on those aspects that are most important. I have no regrets about anything that I have changed and am happier and more committed to those that I chose to keep.
As doctors, we are taught to categorize our patients’ illnesses in order to make a diagnosis and be able to prescribe treatments. One size never fits all though. My personal health experience has taught me, on a much more visceral level, that we are all individuals. The category that my illness fell into is called “acute coronary syndrome” and best practice dictates a certain treatment protocol. That protocol caused me harm. I have had several side effects as a result, some quite serious. The statins have caused such serious muscle pain that for a while walking was a chore. Fortunately, I seem to be on a regimen that is safe and working for me. While the categorization is vital, individualization is more important. Finding the proper balance for each of my patients is a challenge I now embrace.
I have been a very good patient. I follow my doctor’s orders as closely as possible and seek their guidance before making changes. Of course, as is true of any good patient, I am my own best advocate. I do not like taking so many medications and it seems as though I am taking pills to counteract the side effects from other pills. While I understand the necessity of this therapy I have to believe there is a better way. I have begun to spend a significant amount of time researching what I believe will reveal the best available answer for true preventative care, but more on this topic later.
Since February is National Heart Month, it is important we all take the time to evaluate the health of our own hearts. Unfortunately, heart, or cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death in the United States, taking nearly 600,000 lives each year. However, by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making a few noticeable changes in habits and diets, you can usually avoid being one of the 79 million Americans who suffer from vessel and heart diseases. We have prepared a list of risk factors for your reference here, as well as a few prevention tips to follow, which should be discussed with your doctor on a regular basis:
- Eat a healthy diet. Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid heart disease and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of green vegetables.
- Eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber may help prevent high blood cholesterol. This is a complicated and controversial topic and will be the subject of future blogs.
- Limiting salt or sodium in your diet can also lower your blood pressure.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease. Your doctor can help you determine whether your weight is in a healthy range. But remember that the number on the scale is not what is important; you want to change your body composition by losing fat and gaining muscle.
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
- Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. So, if you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quitting will lower your risk for heart disease. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit.
- Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which causes high blood pressure. If you are going to drink, avoid mixed beverages that contain a lot of sugar. Red wine is a good choice because of the beneficial resveratrol. For more information, visit CDC’s Alcohol and Public Health website.
Thank you for all of the support over the past few months. This experience has truly changed my life.