What would you recommend to the family of a patient who has myocardial infarction?

Question

What would you recommend to the family of a patient who has myocardial infarction?

Answer 1

elai, the typical patient with this condition will need a lot of support during his or her recovery and when s/he implements lifestyle changes which focus on heart health. The family's role is to provide loving support and never to undermine the patient's efforts.

So if the patient is on a low-fat, low-salt diet for the rest of his or her life, the family won't put potato chips or hot dogs on the table at a picnic but will serve only heart-healthy foods, for instance. They'll encourage exercise and shore him up when he wants a cigarette. It's really hard making the huge changes that increase the odds for long-term survival.

Answer 2

Avoid stress, salt, tobacco, fried foods, fast foods.

Walking is good, but you would do better to have a word with your GP, he knows the patient far better than we do and will know how fit the heart is now.

Eat lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, chicken (not fried!)>

Answer 3

This is a very broad question! In terms of what? Life style? Generally one would need to look at life style changes after a heart attack, including a healthier diet (including weight loss if needed) with an explicit aim to eat foods that are not high in cholesterol, exercise and reducing alcohol intake.Stress level factors should also be considered. If they smoke, one would of course be advised to stop. The rehabilitation team at the hospital will talk to the patient before discharge regarding any concerns they may have including any new medication they have been prescribed.