Having a heart attack is nature’s way of saying you need a break. If you or someone close has recently suffered from a heart attack, you may be thinking about what the future holds. It is normal to have questions and concerns about life expectancy after a heart attack by age, so let’s delve deeper into this topic.
What is The Life Expectancy After Heart Attack By Age?
Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room – is life expectancy shortened after a heart attack?
The answer to that is not straightforward. While a heart attack can be a life-threatening event, many people go on to live full and healthy lives after recovery. However, life expectancy may decrease by 8-10% of your expected life.
Age is a major factor on which life expectancy depends after a heart attack. As per experts, the older you are, the higher your risk of complications and mortality. For example, according to the American Heart Association, the 5-year survival rate of ages 65 with a heart attack is 95%. On the other hand, for people over 65, the survival rate drops to 79%.
Other health conditions, such as diabetes, high BP, and obesity, also take a toll on the life span of a person after suffering from a heart attack. Habits like smoking cigarettes, poor diet, and lack of exercise also contribute to poor outcomes.
Care Factors Affecting Longevity
While age and other health factors can greatly impact life expectancy, there are several care factors that improve outcomes. Such as:
Intervention Early On:
The sooner you get treatment for your heart attack, the better the survival rate. It is essential to reach out to an emergency service immediately after you spot symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness.
Medications:
After a heart attack, medications help manage your condition to prevent future heart problems. Some examples are blood thinners, beta-blockers, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Healthy Lifestyle:
Lifestyle modification improves life quality after a heart attack. Some changes you need include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, regularly exercising, and stress management.
What is the Best Exercise After a Heart Attack?
Exercise is a crucial part of the recovery plan. However, consult with your doctor before starting any exercise.
Generally, low-impact exercises which include walking, cycling, or swimming, are some good options. They improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of future heart problems.
What Not to Do After a Heart Attack?
After a heart attack, you must avoid some activities and behaviors which may increase the risk of complications. Steer clear of the following:
Smoking
It increases the risk of having heart complications in the future and slows down the healing process after you have a heart attack.
Heavy Lifting
You just had an attack; slow down. No need to act macho; heavy lifting or strenuous activity puts strain on the heart and increases the risk of complications.
Stress
It slows down healing; manage it through relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
Closing Note
It is a must to take it slow after nature’s push. You can contact heart specialists from Epic Heart and Vascular Center for more information on this. We’re situated in the Texas Medical Arts Tower, opposite Abiding Word Lutheran Church. For further queries or questions, feel free to contact us at:
- Houston: (832) 432-1951
- Willowbrook: (832) 432-1951