Post-lockdown lifestyle tips for cardiac patients
The coronavirus crisis has brought the world to a standstill, with lockdowns imposed worldwide to combat it. This has drastically changed the way most people function and interact as social isolation has forced them to step away from their regular schedules.
In India, hospitals have noted an approximately 50% decrease in the admission of patients with acute heart attacks. This could be due to pollution-free and relatively stress-free lifestyles that have resulted in lower heart attack rates or the inability to reach hospitals because of movement restrictions.
It has been noted that heart patients with worsening symptoms at home are scared to go to the hospital due to the fear of being infected by the coronavirus. This, in turn, has resulted in a marked increase in deaths from cardiac arrests at home. It is, thus, important that heart patients must not ignore any deterioration in symptoms and/or delay medical attention.
However, it’s a commonly asked question if it is safe to go to the clinic or the doctor. And when is it safe? What should be on your post-lockdown health checklist?
As you prioritise your health to-do list, beware of the Covid-19 cases in your area, as your personal risk from this pandemic is based on your age and medical conditions. The same principles of a healthy lifestyle hold true in our postvirus world as they did in our pre-Covid-19 world.
As heart patients can’t go for regular check-ups during this time, it is important for them to monitor their health at home. Regular monitoring of their sugar and blood pressure should be done and the results should be updated with the treating doctor.
Heart patients also need to maintain a healthy lifestyle post lockdown by following indoor exercise and yoga regimes, having a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, engaging in recreational activities, taking medications regularly and staying positive. Going forward, these protective habits should become the new normal lifestyle.
Telemedicine consultation is now possible with most doctors for immediate advice. Furthermore, heart patients should feel reassured that the hospitals are open, doctors are working and medical facilities are safe places with well-defined protocols laid down for both elective and emergency treatment to ensure that patients are protected from the infection.
So, the clear message for people with symptoms is to overcome their fears about Covid-19 and get prompt treatment that may save their lives and/or avoid long-term complications.