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Life expectancy after a heart attack

Myocardial infarction. Having heard such a diagnosis in their address, most people fall into a state of deep depression, and some immediately meet the doctor’s statement with the question “How much do I have left?”. In fact, myocardial infarction is not always a reason for excessive excitement and hasty conclusions. Here, it is important to have a sober and balanced attitude of a person to what happened. After all, the further fate of a survivor of a heart attack largely depends not only on rehabilitation activities but also on the patient and his lifestyle.

Statistics for Russia among hospitalized people diagnosed with myocardial infarction suggests the following. Mortality from a primary attack is 10%, however, if the patient managed to avoid complications and relapse in the first month of recovery, then his chances of living at least 5 years averages 70%. The decisive factor in this case is the state of the heart muscle at the time of completion of rehabilitation procedures. Experts note that damage to the left departments cardiac myocardium by 50% entails a sharp reduction in later life.

Risk factors that can cause a heart attack

Of course, no one is 100% immune from a heart attack, but there are certain health and lifestyle factors that can provoke vascular diseases and cause a heart attack. Having carefully studied them, a person will be able to insure in advance and remove himself from the risk zone. So to possible reasons The formation of cardiovascular ailments doctors include:

The presence of hypertension (permanent high pressure has a detrimental effect on the walls of blood vessels, making them less elastic, as a result of which they lose their proper performance);

The presence of diseases characterized by metabolic disorders (as a rule, these are diabetes- it causes dyslipidemia, which is accompanied by atherosclerosis affecting the vessels);

Genetic feature (research shows that vascular diseases have the ability to be inherited);

Age (both men and women over the age of 55 are at risk, and males are 4 times more susceptible to diseases);

Hypodynamia (it is also a catalyst for hypertension, metabolic disorders, and also for heart failure - due to low oxygen saturation, the heart cannot pump blood with initial intensity);

Smoking (contributes to the formation of spasms in the vessels, and also negatively affects the structure of the vascular walls);

Diet disruption and drinking regime(excessive consumption of foods high in fat and sugar, as well as drinking small amounts of liquid distort the metabolic process and disrupt water exchange organism);

redundant physical exercise, as well as excessive emotional activity (frequent stress and depression do not have the best effect on the state of blood vessels);

Surgical interventions (operations involving the coronary vessels).

Symptoms of a heart attack

The most common form of myocardial infarction is acute cutting pain in the region of the heart, accompanied by burning and squeezing sensations. As a rule, pain is not limited to the heart region, it radiates throughout the left side of the body, including the shoulder blade and limbs.

TO concomitant pain symptoms include the following:

Increased breathing with a complication of the possibility of inhalation;

Increased sweating (the released fluid is cold);

Changes in skin pigmentation (blanching, as well as blue lips);

Excessive excitement, panic;

dizziness and nausea;

Blurred consciousness due to disruption of the brain.

Recovery and rehabilitation

A timely and competently carried out complex of rehabilitation measures by doctors significantly increases the patient's chances not only for survival, but also for his return to normal life. full life. Immediately after an attack, it is highly recommended only ambulatory treatment in the hospital. Further recovery procedures can be carried out in the sanatorium as soon as the attending physician can discharge the patient from the hospital. Nevertheless, periodic monitoring by a specialist is a mandatory item throughout the entire rehabilitation period, which includes such activities as:

Mandatory medication (as a rule, the doctor prescribes many drugs, among which there are anticoagulants, statins, antihypertensive drugs, and others);

Therapeutic physical education (the complex is compiled individually, depending on physical form patient and lifestyle)

A special diet that involves abstaining from junk food and consumption of products great content protein and nutrients;

Work on lifestyle modifications and physical condition(weight control, as well as smoking cessation and alcohol consumption).

Diet and physical activity

Along with medical procedures and medication, a patient who has had a heart attack must follow a strict diet, and, as he recovers, resort to physical activity through certain exercises. Often people do not take these events responsibly enough, so it is worth highlighting these two points separately.

So, at each stage of rehabilitation, the attending physician prescribes a certain table, consisting of products that have a beneficial effect on the body precisely in given period. In the first month of recovery, simple homogeneous dishes are strictly recommended, mainly boiled (for example, vegetable soup or liquid porridge), as well as dairy products with a low fat content. As the myocardium enters the state of scarring, the patient's diet changes. After a month of rehabilitation, it is possible to eat raw vegetables and fruits, various cereals, as well as decoctions from berries.

As for physiotherapy exercises, the implementation of exercises is necessary in order to prevent the process of thrombosis. Physical activity is needed from the very first days of rehabilitation. Of course, at first it will be primitive movements (for example, bending the arms and legs). In addition, if a surgical operation was performed, the first exercises are performed at all in bed.

As the body recovers, the movements will become more difficult, and the time allotted for classes will increase. The attending physician chooses individual program, which depends on the gender and age of the patient, as well as the severity of the attack. In any case, exercise should not cause shortness of breath and heart pain. Walking down the street (preferably in parks or alleys), as well as climbing stairs to several floors without using an elevator, are considered extremely useful in restoring the body after a heart attack. In addition, there are universal complexes of rehabilitation exercises, where all parts of the body are involved to the maximum. As a rule, Propastin and Muravov complexes are used in the gyms of physiotherapy exercises.

Possible Complications

Unfortunately, not all patients who have had a myocardial infarction manage to return to a healthy and normal life even if all rehabilitation measures and requirements are observed. In most cases heart attack yet produces some consequences. Below is a list possible complications that may occur during rehabilitation:

Cardiosclerosis (is a type coronary disease, which implies substitution muscle tissue myocardium with a connecting material, which negatively affects the contractile function of the heart);

Pulmonary edema (may occur with a massive heart attack; such patients need to be evaluated in the intensive care unit);

Rupture of the heart walls (such an ailment can be fraught with excessive hemorrhage);

The development of general heart failure (its factors include arrhythmia or valve damage).

There may also be some complications associated with taking medicines(for example, respiratory problems due to the use of analgesic drugs).

Conclusion

As for the question of longevity after a heart attack, which is logically of interest to patients, many factors play a role here, such as a person’s age, the extent of damage to the heart muscle, acquired complications, as well as a competent recovery process. Doctors almost never give exact dates. Not because experts hide information, but because each case is individual. For example, those who have had a heart attack at a young age have every chance to restore cardiac activity almost completely, while old man after an attack can live only a year.

The same goes for the question of how many heart attacks you can endure. human body. For example, people with an acute coronary attack willy-nilly think and ask doctors if they can survive a heart attack again. One way or another, there is no universal answer to such questions. Medicine knows cases when people with several heart attacks lived to a respectable age and vice versa, when young patients could not recover even after the first heart attack. Development plays a key role here. cardiovascular disease, which was the cause of the attack, as well as the further way of life of a person.

A heart attack occurs when a blood clot clogs the coronary arteries and leads to the fact that some parts of the heart remain without oxygen. If health care was not provided on time, the cells die, scars form in their place and the heart ceases to perform its functions.

People who have suffered a heart attack require long-term and qualified rehabilitation aimed at restoring full-fledged life and preventing relapses, which occur in 20-40% of cases.

If the disease did not cause serious complications, the rehabilitation of patients after myocardial infarction can be successfully carried out at home.

At serious condition patient when he has such complications as heart failure, rehabilitation at first should be carried out in a specialized medical institution, with further transfer to home restoration of the body and compliance.

Therapeutic exercise is the most important stage restoration of physical activity of a person who has had a heart attack. The start time of exercise therapy is prescribed by the doctor, depending on the degree of myocardial damage and the patient's condition.

At moderate pathology start gymnastics already for 2-3 days, in severe cases, it is usually required to wait a week. The basic principles for restoring the patient's physical activity boil down to the following steps:

the first few days, strict bed rest is necessary;
on the 4th-5th day the patient is allowed to take sitting position with legs hanging from the bed;
on the 7th day, in a favorable situation, the patient can begin to move close to the bed;
after 2 weeks it will be possible to take short walks around the ward;
from 3 weeks after the attack, it is usually allowed to go out into the corridor, as well as go down the stairs under the supervision of an instructor.

The distance that the patient overcomes should increase every day.

After increasing the load, the doctor necessarily and the patient. If the indicators differ from the norm, the load will need to be reduced. If the recovery is favorable, the patient may be referred to the cardiology department. rehabilitation center(sanatorium), where he will continue his recovery under the supervision of professionals.

Nutrition rules

In the process of rehabilitation great importance given to proper nutrition of the patient. Diets can be different, but they all have common principles:

reduction in caloric content of food;
restriction of fatty, flour and sweet foods;
refusal of spicy and spicy dishes;
minimum salt intake - no more than 5 g per day;
the amount of fluid consumed should be about 1.5 liters daily;
meals should be frequent, but in small portions.

What should be the food after a heart attack? Must be in the diet include foods containing fiber, vitamins C and P, polyunsaturated fatty acid, potassium. The following foods are allowed:

low-fat meat;
fruits and vegetables, except spinach, mushrooms, legumes, sorrel, radish;
vegetable oils;
vegetable soups;
compotes and juices without sugar, weakly brewed tea;
bran and rye bread, cereals;
lean fish;
dairy products without fat;
omelette.

You will need to refrain from:

fatty meat;
natural coffee;
fresh bread, any muffin;
fried or boiled eggs;
marinades, pickles, canned food;
cakes, chocolates, pastries and other sweets.

What other foods should be discarded when dieting after myocardial infarction, see the video:

Food must be boiled or steamed, occasionally baked dishes are allowed. Food should be cooked without adding salt.

In the first week rehabilitation, it is advisable to eat only grated food 6 times a day.

From 2 weeks the frequency of meals is reduced, while the food should be crushed.

A month later It will be possible to take regular food, strictly controlling its calorie content. Daily rate should not exceed 2300 kcal. If you are overweight, you will need to reduce the calorie content a little.

Physical activity and sex life

Return to physical activity begins in the hospital. After stabilization of the condition, the patient is allowed to perform small physical exercise, at first passive (just sit in bed), then more active.

Restoration of basic motor skills must occur during the first few weeks after an attack.

From 6 weeks patients are usually prescribed exercise therapy, exercise on a stationary bike, walking, climbing stairs, light jogging, swimming. The load must be increased very carefully.

Therapeutic exercise is very important in rehabilitation after a heart attack. Thanks to special exercises, Can improve blood circulation and restore heart function.

Exercise therapy is prescribed only with a satisfactory condition of the patient and a favorable course of the recovery period.

A useful video with a set of exercise therapy exercises for gymnastics for patients after myocardial infarction at home:

People who have had a heart attack you can do household chores depending on the functional class of the disease. Patients of the third class are allowed to wash dishes, wipe the dust, the second class - to perform minor household chores, while it is forbidden to saw, work with a drill, and wash clothes by hand. For first-class patients, the possibilities are almost unlimited. It is only necessary to avoid working in an uncomfortable position of the body.

Patients can begin sexual life in a month and a half after an attack. The possibility of sexual contact will be evidenced by the preservation normal pulse and pressure even when climbing to the 2nd floor.

Basic recommendations for sexual intercourse:

nitroglycerin tablets should always be prepared nearby;
it is recommended to have sex only with a trusted partner;
the temperature in the room should not be too high;
postures should be chosen such that they will not cause excessive physical exertion - for example, postures in an upright position are not recommended;
do not drink alcohol, fatty foods and energy drinks before sexual intercourse, do not take hot baths.

Potency-enhancing drugs should be used with extreme caution.. Many of them negatively affect the work of the heart.

If such a remedy caused an attack of angina pectoris, it is strictly forbidden to swallow nitroglycerin - the combined effect of these drugs usually sharply reduces pressure and often leads to death.

Learn more about sex after a heart attack from the video:

habits

People who smoke are more susceptible to tea various diseases hearts. Smoking causes spasms of the blood vessels of the heart, as well as oxygen starvation heart muscle. During rehabilitation after a heart attack you need to quit smoking completely, and for the prevention of relapse, you will need to make every effort to quit this addiction forever.

With the issue of alcohol consumption, everything is not so drastic, but moderation is still required. IN rehabilitation period alcohol must be completely abandoned, and in the future adhere to a strict dosage. The maximum permitted dose of pure alcohol per day is: men - 30 ml, women - 20 ml.

Medical and medical control

Drug treatment plays a leading role in the prevention of possible relapses. In the postinfarction period, the following drugs are prescribed:

Means to reduce blood viscosity: Plavix, Aspirin, Ticlid.
Means for the treatment of arrhythmia, hypertension (depending on which disease led to the development of a heart attack): beta-blockers, nitrates, calcium antagonists, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
Means for the prevention of atherosclerosis: fibrates, statins, sequesters of bile acids, nicotinic acid.
drugs to improve metabolic processes in tissues: Solcoseryl, Actovegin, Mildronate, Piracetam.
Antioxidants: Riboxin, vitamin E.

In addition, they may be assigned annual monthly courses of multivitamin complexes which will help strengthen the body and prevent pernicious influence external factors on the state of cardio-vascular system.

Psychological help for this problem

survivor of a heart attack often subject to depressive states . His fears are well founded - after all, an attack can happen again. Therefore, in the postinfarction period of psychological rehabilitation, a special place is given.

The main objectives of psychotherapy are the prevention of neuroses, the normalization mental state, elimination of phobias and sleep problems.

To eliminate the fears of the patient is carried out training in relaxation techniques, motivation to work.

The psychologist usually works with the patient's relatives as well.. Often, after a heart attack, they begin to consider the patient a disabled person, they surround him with excessive care and try to limit his physical activity - this attitude has a bad effect on the psychological state of the patient and makes it difficult for him to return to a full life.

Is disability required or can return to work

The patient's ability to work is determined by several parameters:

clinical examination results;
laboratory test data;
data of a bicycle ergometric study.

Rehabilitation depends on individual characteristics the course of the disease. The decision on the possibility to carry out this or that activity is made by a special commission.

After a heart attack forbidden to practice the following types professional activity : driving Vehicle, heavy physical work, daily and night shifts, as well as work requiring increased attention and associated with psycho-emotional stress.

To prevent recurrence of myocardial infarction, the patient must avoid nervous and physical stress. The first days he must observe bed rest. If shortness of breath is observed in the supine position, it is better to be in an elevated state.

Classes physical therapy prohibited with severe arrhythmia, high temperature body, low blood pressure and heart failure.

If the patient has kidney failure or severe heart failure, intracranial hematomas, and increased bleeding some drugs may be contraindicated for him such as Mannitol. Row diagnostic examinations may adversely affect the patient's condition. For example, coronary angiography is performed only before surgical treatment.

Measures to prevent relapse

Prevention of repeated attacks of a heart attack involves a set of measures that help strengthen the body and reduce the negative impact of pathologies that led to the development of the disease. Compliance following recommendations Helps prevent relapses

to give up smoking;
moderate physical activity;
reduce harmful and fatty foods and sweets in the diet;
drink less strong coffee;
avoid stress.

Most people who have had a heart attack are prescribed lifelong medication to reduce blood viscosity.

The program on the rehabilitation of patients in hospitals and at home and life after myocardial infarction in two parts:

How to live if there was a myocardial infarction? Statistics on life expectancy after a heart attack. Permissible loads and lifestyle recommendations.

How long do people live after a heart attack?

Many reasons contribute to the "rejuvenation" of myocardial infarction:

foods high in cholesterol;
smoking;
sedentary lifestyle;
improper use or selection of hormonal contraceptives;
stress in the workplace.

Important! Majority birth control pills contains high concentrations of hormones that increase blood clotting. If a woman has a tendency to thrombosis, some pills are contraindicated for her. Selection hormonal contraceptives should be carried out only by her gynecologist, carefully collecting an anamnesis.

Survival statistics are divided into three time periods:

the first days;
first month
year after the heart attack.

According to statistics, on average, one in three of all patients dies within the first hour after an attack before receiving medical care.

Within the first month, 15 to 25% of all patients with myocardial injury die. Structural changes in the heart muscle create conditions for new heart attacks. There is a high risk for a person not to survive a second heart attack.

About 10% of patients die within one year. If the patient's age exceeds 65 years, the mortality among such people reaches 35%.

In connection with the shift in the age range of heart diseases, the prognosis, rehabilitation and prevention of heart diseases become even more relevant. How many years a person will live depends on many factors:

patient's age;

the timeliness of the assistance provided, the use of the necessary drugs;
elapsed time since myocardial injury;
extent of myocardial damage.

In more young age patients more easily tolerate any diseases, including diseases of the cardiovascular system. If a patient is 45 years old, he has a greater chance of living after a myocardial infarction for 5-10 years than, for example, a patient who had an attack at 80 years old. In younger people, relative recovery occurs faster.

The more time has passed since the onset of ischemic heart damage, the better prognosis for life. As a rule, there comes a gradual adaptation of the heart muscle to cicatricial changes. This adaptation speaks of the high potential of the body's reserve forces.

A heart attack causes necrosis of the muscular walls of the heart, which leads to changes:

loss of contractile potential of the heart;
conduction disorder;
occurrence of arrhythmias.

combination for the elderly chronic pathologies other organs and a scar on the myocardium, conduction disturbance creates suitable conditions for repeated heart attacks, increases the risk of sudden cardiac death. Often there are situations when surgical intervention such as placing stents. If it is not performed, as a result, the person may die from repeated attacks.

The basis for the success of the first hours of the onset of the disease is timely thrombolytic therapy. In the first month, the likelihood of developing a second myocardial infarction remains. There is a risk of detachment of new blood clots against the background of a weakened myocardium. The formation of scar tissue lasts 1-2 months.

How long a person will live depends on the extent of the lesion. Transmural necrosis of the posterior or anterior wall of the left ventricular myocardium has a worse prognosis than small focal. With small-focal lesions, a smaller volume of cardiac tissues suffers. Accordingly, the damage heals easier and faster.

Life after a heart attack

How to live with myocardial infarction? What will have to be abandoned? A person can do a lot to increase his chances of survival, regardless of age and in the absence of mental disorders. In addition to following all the instructions of the doctor and the course of rehabilitation, it is necessary to change your lifestyle.

A reminder on how to behave after a myocardial infarction and stenting includes the following items:

Taking all drugs prescribed by a cardiologist, performing surgical operations according to indications.
Physical therapy course.
Physical activity.
Eliminate the source of stress.
Rejection bad habits.
Diet.

Some drugs prescribed by cardiologists must be taken for life. This is especially true for patients suffering from hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Important! Despite the relief that comes after taking the drugs, they cannot be canceled on their own.

Very often, patients who have had a heart attack have hypertensive or coronary heart disease, problems with blood clotting. Under the ban for use include drugs:

capable of increasing blood pressure;
vasoconstrictor;
psychostimulants;
contributing to blood clotting.

Most of the drugs will not be prescribed by any doctor who knows about the past heart disease. However, if you are a follower traditional medicine, often like to experiment with herbs, you need to know dangerous plants. These include:

The components of these herbs can increase blood clotting, increase blood pressure. They do not directly lead to the development of new heart damage, but create a very favorable background for more serious factors.

Particular attention should be paid to dental procedures. Preparation is necessary before dental treatment. If the patient experiences stress when going to the dentist, an appointment is required sedatives. It is better to prescribe the drug to a cardiologist together with a dentist. The medication must not harm the patient. Increased attention should be paid to the following dental procedures:

Anesthesia.
Removal of teeth.
Removal of dental deposits.
Preparation of teeth for crowns.

Important! The dentist should be aware of the pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Since anesthesia is often required, the doctor should choose an anesthetic with little or no adrenaline. Adrenaline constricts blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and can contribute to a hypertensive crisis.

Pain relief should not be abandoned. Pain shock can trigger a heart attack. Sometimes when taking impressions for crowns, special threads soaked in adrenaline are used. The concentration of adrenaline on these threads can fluctuate. The dentist should choose a thread without impregnation.

What can not be done to people with a stent and with heart pathologies:

take part in competitive sports;
intense cardio without heart rate control (running, swimming);
lift weights;
perform endurance loads (long-term heavy hikes, doing exercises without a break);
be in conditions of lack of oxygen;
drinking alcohol;
smoke.

Physical activity is allowed, but only if the load algorithm is developed by an exercise therapy specialist. There are certain heart rate indicators that limit the intensity of exercise. For an elderly person, calm walks on fresh air with accompaniment.

Since heart attacks occur in fairly young people, the question of intimate life after the disease, few people are surprised. Doctors note a pattern that women have problems in the intimate sphere after past illnesses more hearts. Nevertheless, sexual activity is possible, but there are nuances that the cardiologist must explain. General rules to resume intimate relationships:

Abstinence from sex for 30 days from the date of discharge from the hospital.
Mandatory control blood pressure and heart rate.
Intimate relationships can begin in a relaxed environment with minimal stress.

Important (especially for men)! In most patients, before or after a heart attack, there is a deterioration in the quality of sexual life. Many men do not have an erection. There are many drugs that allow you to normalize this function for a while. These drugs have a side effect - an increase blood pressure. You can use drugs only with the approval of a cardiologist.

The diet for pathologies of the heart and blood vessels excludes the following products:

pork;
legumes;
milk;

meat, fish broths;
flour products;
marinades;
smoked meats;
salted cheeses.

Important! The emphasis in nutrition should be on food containing vegetable fats, fat-free meat, fish, vegetables. Cooking involves steaming, baking, boiling without the use of spices and with a small amount of salt.

How to live after a massive heart attack

How long people live after a myocardial infarction depends solely on the type of heart attack, the extent and timeliness of assistance in the first hours. After the formation of the scar, the life expectancy is more influenced by the person himself. Small focal necrosis will have less serious consequences, how massive heart attack posterior or anterior wall of the myocardium, but without compliance with the cardiologist's prescriptions, its prognosis is unfavorable. Reviews a large number of people indicate an increase in the frequency of cases of survival and an improvement in the quality of life of the majority of patients with the implementation of all medical recommendations.

To summarize, we can state that the following changes will occur in your life after a heart attack:

leaving work that involves heavy physical exertion or stress, no matter how interesting or profitable it may be;
course of exercise therapy after discharge from the hospital;
lifelong use of drugs that lower blood pressure, statins.
mandatory light physical exercises with heart rate control;
activity restriction. Some forms not available active rest, sexual activity should be less intense;
giving up alcohol, smoking;
food restrictions.

Life must be completely changed. In addition to material costs, it also requires tremendous willpower. All activities cannot guarantee a successful outcome, but the chances will be much higher, as well as the quality of life.

Hello Vlad!

Give an accurate answer to your question about life expectancy after myocardial infarction myocardium, unfortunately, is not possible. This indicator depends on a large number of different factors. For example, if a patient is relatively young and suffered a heart attack without serious complications, then his "life" prospects are very high, subject to all the necessary recommendations of doctors. And if a patient at the age of 90 with a penetrating infarction has a number of comorbidities, for example, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, etc., then living after an attack for at least a year will be a great achievement for him.

Chances for a long life

A heart attack survivor needs psychological support and complete lifestyle control. Therefore, the rehabilitation period is given Special attention. All the forces of the patient, his relatives and doctors should be directed to the return of vital functions to normal mode and eliminating the risk of relapse.

High chance of survival long life in this case, there are patients who are able to completely overestimate the existing principles and preferences.

During the rehabilitation period, the actions of doctors are to restore normal operation heart and its vessels. For this, appropriate supportive treatment and (if necessary) surgery are prescribed. It is impossible to establish any clear terms for the duration of life.

According to the results of statistical studies, after myocardial infarction, patients live from 10 to 20 years. This becomes possible only if certain rules:

Avoid bad habits (smoking, alcohol, overuse coffee, etc.).
Getting rid of extra pounds. Obesity is one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease. After weight correction, the patient becomes more active, his quality of life improves and psychological condition.
Continuous monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate. This is necessary to determine the rationality of the prescribed treatment and exercise regimen.
Following a strict no food diet rich in cholesterol. It is recommended to use dietary meat products and fish, give up fried foods, give preference to low-fat dairy products, vegetables and fruits.
Limitation of physical activity. Patients after a heart attack are encouraged to engage in physical therapy. Classes should be carried out exclusively under the supervision of doctors.
Passage of regular health improvement courses in specialized sanatoriums.

It should be noted that the above measures will not help to remove scars on the heart muscle, completely restore tissue and reduce the risk of a second attack. However, they are necessary as maintenance therapy in order not to aggravate the situation.

Only the restoration of the heart can directly increase life expectancy. For this, a number of surgical procedures are used. But their success depends on the lifestyle of the patient, his age and the presence of concomitant pathologies.

The statistics are reassuring

As practice shows, if a patient after a severe heart attack managed to stretch out a month, then the chances that he will live for another year are 85%, another 5 years - 70%. If 10 years have passed since the attack, then the patient’s chances for a long life are equal to the chances of people who have healthy heart.

In conclusion, I can say that life expectancy in each case is individual. No one will give you a definite forecast. Therefore, try to follow all the recommendations of the doctor and keep healthy lifestyle life.

Health to you and good luck!

V. I. METELITSA, Doctor of Medical Sciences

Recovery after a myocardial infarction has become so common these days that it no longer surprises anyone. Its speed depends on the extent of damage to the heart muscle, the individual characteristics of the processes of restoring its functions, and age. And yet man endured serious illness, and it can't help but worry him. It is quite natural that he wants to learn as much as possible about his disease, about how to behave, about diet, physical training.

I will try to answer the most frequently asked questions.

WHY DEVELOP CORONARY HEART DISEASE THAT LEADS TO MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION?

Its cause, especially in the elderly, is atherosclerosis of the heart vessels. But in young people, for the development of coronary heart disease, the presence of atherosclerosis is not necessary. It occurs when the vessels of the heart tend to spasm. "Ischemia" in Latin means "lack of blood supply", and hence the delivery of oxygen to the organ.

If one of the vessels of the heart is affected by atherosclerosis to such an extent that its lumen is significantly narrowed, little blood enters the myocardium. Branches of neighboring arteries come to the aid of the oxygen-starved part of the muscle. Through these alternate routes, blood still flows to the endangered part of the heart. But the bypass (collateral) blood flow has fewer reserves than the main one. They are quickly depleted with exercise, because physical exertion, even moderate, increases the heart's need for oxygen by 65 percent. By the way, even at the moment of unrest, mental stress, the heart spends about the same amount of energy, reacts in the same way as during physical exertion.

Ischemic disease is a kind of energy crisis of the heart, it suffers from a lack of oxygen and nutrients. This can happen with atherosclerosis, and blockage of the artery by a thrombus, and prolonged spasm coronary artery. One of the manifestations of coronary heart disease is angina pectoris, characterized by retrosternal pain. It indicates that a sufficient amount of blood is not supplied to some part of the heart muscle. If ischemia lasts half an hour or more, then myocardial infarction may occur - necrosis of a portion of the heart muscle, followed by the formation of a connective tissue scar at this site.

CAN ANGINA COME AGAIN AFTER A MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION?

Often, in patients who have had a myocardial infarction, the attacks of angina pectoris that bothered them earlier disappear. This is a consequence of the fact that the vessel of the heart, which is responsible for the occurrence of seizures, has failed. Thus, "with the help" of myocardial infarction, the patient was freed from angina attacks. However, there is no guarantee that it will not occur again. And if after a year, two or more, angina attacks suddenly resume and, moreover, become frequent, they will disturb not only during physical exertion, but also at rest, this is a serious reason for immediate appeal to the doctor.

IS A HEART DISTURBANCE DANGEROUS?

Interruptions, or, as we say, extrasystoles, untimely contraction of the heart due to the “unscheduled” excitation of one of the myocardial departments that has arisen. Interruptions are not to be feared. These rhythm disturbances occur in most heart attack survivors, but not everyone feels them. After some time, when the scarring of myocardial infarction is completed, extrasystoles usually disappear or are observed very rarely.

WHAT TO DO TO DO NOT REPEAT MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION?

First of all extract

lesson from my own experience.

Remember what came before

you develop a heart attack

okarda - nervous situation on

recurrent myocardial infarction

the same as the first - refusal

from bad habits

mode of life. Such me

ry provide 80-90 percent

tov success.

WILL RECOVERY SLOWER WHEN THE DOCTOR PRESSES LOW MEDICINE?

Don't try to take it no matter what. more pills, and even more so at your own discretion.

You have to resort to medicines in cases where there are attacks of angina, shortness of breath, swelling, that is, signs of heart failure, sometimes with heart rhythm disturbances, but always as directed by a doctor, remember this!

It must be said that those who have had a myocardial infarction easily succumb to the persuasion of "experts", take all sorts of home-grown remedies on their recommendation. It is difficult to say that this is a manifestation of a kind of naivety or a certain distrust of the official practice of treatment. Most of these recommendations, which spread among patients with surprising speed, are completely illiterate. Of particular danger is self-treatment, when, relying on it, the patient does not listen to the doctor's advice, does not take the medicines prescribed for him, and thereby deprives himself of truly effective treatment.

HOW TO EAT THAT HAVE SURVIVED MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION?

After a myocardial infarction, as a rule, physical activity decreases, and in order not to gain weight, it is necessary to limit the diet. Whether a person eats properly can be judged by their weight. Weight should be normal and in no case increase. I repeat once again, do not listen to the advice of random people and, in particular, to this one: “It is very useful for the heart muscle to eat natural honey". This advice can be harmful, since it is better to reduce the amount of carbohydrates somewhat, also because their tolerance is often disturbed in those suffering from coronary heart disease.

It is necessary to limit the use of high-calorie foods, rich not only in carbohydrates, but also in animal fat. But you can not exclude animal fat entirely. Do not forget the other half of the fats of the daily diet should be vegetable oils.

Fat-free products such as cottage cheese, kefir, milk, buttermilk began to appear on the shelves of our stores. Less fat than other varieties, it also contains peasant oil. These products are preferred for survivors of myocardial infarction. You can also degrease dishes at home - remove fat from cooled milk, soup.

Limiting your diet is easy if you eat little and often.

Then, with a reduced calorie content, a person does not experience hunger. And the feeling of hunger is unnatural, and it is impossible to starve those who have had a myocardial infarction. Regular nutrition is important in order to maintain normal metabolism in the myocardium.

WHAT IS THE LIMIT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AFTER MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION?

Now even in acute stage movements are resolved relatively early in the first week of myocardial infarction, in the first week the patient is already turned in bed, they begin to engage in physiotherapy exercises with him, of course, if the course of the heart attack is not very severe. Regular physical activity, better than any medication, trains the coagulation and anti-coagulation systems of the body. And this, in turn, is a reliable prevention of such severe complication like blockage of a vessel by a blood clot-thrombus.

But after myocardial infarction, physical activity should be increased gradually. We are against the fact that the patient makes a fetish out of physical activity. This is a double-edged weapon, and it is not always possible to predict which - positive or negative - impact will prevail.

Difficult to compose general recommendations that would suit everyone. Some patients already six months after a heart attack get up on skis, return to swimming training; For others - during for many months, only walking at a gradually accelerating pace and increasing duration is acceptable.

General advice on increasing physical activity cannot be given also because one has to take into account accompanying illnesses, the extent of myocardial infarction and previous training.

I would advise those who have had a myocardial infarction to exercise reasonable caution. Only a doctor can determine the optimal load. And after two or three months, even if the patient feels well, the reaction to physical activity is checked again, an individual plan for further training is outlined. It is impossible to judge the feasibility of physical activity only on the basis of counting the pulse or well-being. One person can have a pulse of 140, and this is not bad for him. And another with the same pulse has a critical condition.

With the help of a monitor that monitors the patient around the clock, it was possible to establish that a person feels only half of the “malfunctions” of his heart. Nevertheless, pay attention to changes in your well-being. If during physical stresses any discomfort, tell your doctor about them, consult with him. And if the patient does not have the opportunity to get qualified advice on the magnitude of physical stress, I advise him to be even more careful!

Physical training can bring great harm, if a heart attack survivor begins to train on his own, on the advice of friends, or under the influence of a misunderstood book, which is also written for healthy people.

HOW DANGEROUS IS REPEATED MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION?

Statistical data

confirm that many

first had a heart attack

myocardium, turned to

doctor, and this complicated his flow

nie. So, the appearance of a strong

pain in the heart, not amenable

action of nitroglycerin and

passing through five - ten

minutes after repeated it at

ema, increase in pain

stupa for half an hour-sig

emergency cash. Immediately

call the ambulance!

And if myocardial infarction develops again, you need to know that, and repeated, it can pass without much damage to the functions of the heart, but on condition that treatment is started in the first hours.

Encouraging new data obtained by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR E. I. Chazov and his colleagues: when patients are admitted to a cardiological hospital during the first three hours, active therapy can even restore the patency of the affected heart vessel.

But no matter how great the possibilities modern medicine, the success of treatment largely depends on the early negotiability of patients.

WHERE TO REST THAT HAVE SUFFERED MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION?

In that climate zone

where they live. Abrupt change

climate, moving from middle to

Losy, and even more so from north to south,

to Crimea, for example, and even to’

What not to do after myocardial infarction

Atypical forms of myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction is a form of coronary heart disease. This dangerous disease starts with development intense pain, which is localized in the region of the heart. Persons who have suffered a heart attack describe this pain as follows: in the region of the heart there is a feeling that there is a burning coal; V

Myocardial infarction: symptoms

Acute myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction is the death of the heart muscle. It is conditioned acute violation blood circulation due to a mismatch between the needs of the heart muscle for oxygen and its delivery to the heart. Mortality from myocardial infarction over the past 20 years has increased by 60%, and the disease is significantly

Myocardial infarction: rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after myocardial infarction is the same rehabilitation as in coronary heart disease, but taking into account all the features of a heart attack. All patients who have had myocardial infarction can be conditionally divided into two groups - patients who are recommended

Diet after myocardial infarction

IN complex treatment a patient after myocardial infarction must necessarily include a diet, the observance of which prevents repeated relapses, helps to reduce the load on the heart. The purpose of the diet is to help the body restore the processes that occur in the heart muscle as quickly as possible.

Causes and stages of myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction is the necrosis of a certain area of the heart muscle, which occurs when blood flow in the arteries is disturbed. It refers to an acute form of coronary heart disease, characterized by a violation of its blood supply, nutrients and oxygen. The dead area of tissue

5 rules for the patient after myocardial infarction

We must not forget about the dangers after myocardial infarction

1. physical activity must comply functional state organism,

regardless of how much time has passed since myocardial infarction;

2. signs of excess physical abilities organisms are:

- discomfort in the chest during exercise varying degrees severity ranging from mild to severe pain(angina pectoris);

a feeling of lack of air that occurs during physical exertion, accompanied by frequent heartbeat;

- atypical signs of angina pectoris that occur and are characteristic of some patients

(atypical localization of pain: in the back, left shoulder blade, mandible, left

3. The above signs require the immediate cessation of physical activity and taking

immediate action nitropreparations (nitroglycerin under the tongue). The entry must be

docked. If necessary, repeated administration of nitroglycerin is possible. Need to remember

that nitroglycerin helps lower blood pressure, which is dangerous with a tendency to low blood pressure.

4. People who have had a myocardial infarction are contraindicated in a static type load:

- Lifting and carrying of gravity (the weight of the object being carried is limited by the functional class of the patient);

- work with raised hands long time(for example: painting or washing the ceiling);

– work in an inclination (washing of a floor in an inclination);

- work in stuffy, hot conditions;

- physical activity after eating;

5. Sometimes develops chronic insufficiency blood circulation (NC) of varying severity.

6. Drinking alcohol often causes heart palpitations, which causes an increase in

the need of the heart muscle for oxygen and the onset of an attack of angina pectoris. Alcohol,

as an anesthetic, can hide the resulting coronary insufficiency And

lead to recurrent myocardial infarction;