Introduction to Heart Disease
 Those
of us who have had the unfortunate experience of having had heart attack
with or without infarction have many question unanswered. It is not the
intention to take the place of doctor who is really managing such cases.
Generally such persons are advised rests for variable periods depending
on their medical conditions. But after the initial period of rest
certain doubts, fears, apprehensions and questions remain in the mind of
such patients, which need consideration. It may again be emphasized that
the extent to which physical, mental and emotional activity can be
permitted is a decision to be entirely taken by the attending physician.
- Talking and arguing - In the early stage of
recovery at least, if not always, prolonged talking like speech
making, radio talk or a T.V. appearance may be tiring and should be
avoided. These lead, to some extent to emotional involvement, which
is not conducive to early rehabilitation. In no case convalescents
should enter into arguments with other which may result in emotional
physical exercise.
- Car Driving - After lapse of a reasonable time
after an attack one many drive but drive slow and avoid heavy
traffic areas and long continuous spells of driving. Sudden
application of brakes and other traffic hazards are definite risks.
- Sex life - heart disease does not in any way
affect sex capabilities but since the act involves some physical
strain and emotional excitement, it is advisable to undertake such
activity only if allowed by the attending physician. But within
moderation there is no direct risk.
- Air Travel - extreme heights mean reduced
pressures and difficulty in breathing puts strain on the lungs and
the heart. However in modern pressurised planes there is no risk
involved but travel should be avoided in non pressurised aircraft
especially if it is to fly at great heights.
- Fear Psychosis - since any heart attack is
serious, the patient after his recovery tends to fear about
impending attack and any ache or twitch in chest is considered as an
onset of another attack. The development of such a personality may
even ruin the bright chances of recovery and a perfectly normal
existence. It should be remembered especially by those, who have had
the experience of a heart attack the pain in a real attack is
extreme and unbearable and it does not come as an ache, twinges,
twitches or fluttering. The fear affects general health and impairs
recovery to normal.
- Employement - there is ample evidence to show
that return to work after the prescribed period of rest has resulted
in better health than it was before the heart attack. But it must be
decided by the attending physician. There can obviously be no fixed
rule. In most of the cases the patients can return to work with a
little caution and moderation.
In some cases a person may not be able to return to original work
either on account of hesitancy of the employer or the nature of
work.
In almost every case some gainful occupation is not only possible
for but also beneficial to the heart patient.
It should be remembered that the fright of having had a heart
attack and subsequent apprehension of the possibility of another
more so after resuming normal activity cripples more heart patients
that actual heart condition.
|
|
|
