GREENSBORO, N.C. — The American Heart Association confirms heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States.
In 2020, nearly 400,000 people died from coronary heart disease — mainly the elderly.
A heart event can change someone's entire outlook on life. Many will wonder what are some of the do's and don'ts moving forward or they might wonder what they should be doing to reduce their chances of it happening again.
To answer those questions and more about life after a heart event is Dr. Paula Ross with Cone Health HealthCare.
If you have a heart event, how can you help prevent it from happening again?
"Going back to see your doctor. Taking the medicines that have been prescribed. Keeping track of your blood pressure. Again, if you've had an intervention done, there are a couple medicines really important in that first year that help keep stints open. Watching your diet. Whole natural foods. Trying to avoid a lot of processed foods. And just get out and start walking," Dr. Ross advises.
How important is having a support system after a cardiac event?
"A strong support system I think is key," Dr. Ross said. "Having people around you know what's going on, getting support from them, and support through cardiac rehab is important. And you're helping them too because you're probably teaching them things that will help them in the future. I kind of look at it as a win-win."
What kind of activity should you do after a cardiac event?
"Don't do too much too fast. You have to listen to your body. Some people may be on medicines that are new for them. Maybe their blood pressure is different than it had been. Start slow - following up with cardiac rehab is important because we get a lot of information when you're in those sessions. But keep walking," Dr. Ross said.
What kind of eating habits can help prevent a cardiac event?
"Trying to stay with lots of vegetables. Get rid of sweetened drinks. Go more with water. Eggs are OK - they got a bad wrap for a long time. Maybe not creamy things and not deep-fried things," Dr. Ross said.