8 Mistakes Heart Patients Make

Mistake 1: Thinking all heart attacks are the same

You may know someone who always ate low-fat foods and jogged every day, but they still had a heart attack. So you may think that changing your own lifestyle isn't worth the trouble. Or your friend may have given up their job after a heart attack. So you assume you'll need to give up your job too. Don't count on it. Work with your doctor to learn what's best for you. Everyone has different genetics. And they have different risks, depending on their own lifestyles. It's important to work with your doctor to understand and develop a plan that is right for you. Your friends and family can help too. Sticking to your plan is the best way to prevent a heart attack or other heart problem.

Mistake 2: Not adopting a healthier lifestyle

To be healthier, you may need to learn how to eat better. Or you may need to give up cigarettes or other tobacco products. Or you might need to make time for regular exercise. These things may seem like the challenges of a lifetime. But they are some of the best things you can do for a happier, healthier future.

Here are important steps that can help you prevent a second heart attack:

• If you smoke, quit. Don't use other tobacco or nicotine products. These include chewing tobacco and electronic cigarettes. If you need help to quit, talk to your doctor.

• Get regular exercise. Ask your doctor what kinds of exercise to do. And ask how often to exercise.

• Eat a healthy diet that's low in fat and calories.

• Control your weight.

• Manage your blood pressure.

• Manage your stress.

• Get healthy sleep.

• Control your cholesterol levels.

• Control diabetes or any other blood sugar problems.

• Visit your doctor regularly to make sure that you're on track.

• Take action to reduce the stress in your life where you can.

Mistake 3: Staying stuck in grief or depression

You may have lost your healthy self-image. Or you may not be able to do important things in your life. Any major life change will bring feelings of loss. You may need to grieve.

You and your family may need to work through a range of emotions after your heart attack. Keep in mind that doing so can help lead to a positive future. It also helps you stick to a healthy lifestyle.

If you are overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety, grief, or depression, ask for support. Seek help from a mental health provider. A support group may also help you work through your emotions. And knowing you are not alone can be comforting. Attending a support group may also help you cope with grief or depression.

Mistake 4: Giving up on heart medicines

Don't stop taking your medicines without talking to your doctor. Work with your doctor to find out what your choices are and what these medicines can do for you. Talk about the risks and benefits of the medicines. Ask for help in choosing the ones that:

• Work the best for you.

• Have the fewest side effects.

• Are affordable.

• You'll be comfortable taking.

• Fit with your daily schedule.

• Will have the fewest interactions with other medicines you may take.

Mistake 5: Tiptoeing around your family

Think about it: You'll be helping everyone if you quit smoking. If you quit, your family members may quit too. It's okay to make a big deal about living a healthy lifestyle. Ask your loved ones to give you as much support as they can. Sometimes leading by example is a good way to create a new lifestyle for yourself and your family.

Mistake 6: Staking your life on yesterday's truths

In many cases, the treatments that doctors relied on just a few years ago already are considered outdated. There have been big changes in medicines and procedures. Stay up to date with regular visits to your care team. 

Mistake 7: Shunning exercise

Maybe you are worried that it will overstress your heart. But regular exercise may be one of the best things you can do for your heart. It's important for someone who has had a heart attack to exercise under the advice of their care team. Get an exercise program made just for you. This will be based on your physical condition and your needs and interests. Exercise can help you control risks related to weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. One way to get started is to take part in a cardiac rehab program.

Mistake 8: Not "bothering" your doctor with questions

Your doctor is your greatest ally. They want to partner in your care. Be sure to contact your doctor if you have questions or concerns.