After a stroke or heart attack, it’s crucial to manage your health through medication that you have been prescribed by your care team, lifestyle changes and monitoring symptoms. This will help prevent future recurrences and support your recovery.

Some tips for management include:

• Taking medications as prescribed – Medications like blood thinners, statins and beta-blockers are essential for reducing the risk of future strokes or heart attacks. Make sure to take your medications exactly as prescribed and following the clinician’s instructions. Avoid stopping medication early as this could increase your risk of experiencing a stroke or heart attack again.
• Following a “heart-healthy” diet – Keeping to a low-sodium (low-salt) and low-fat diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins will help keep your heart healthy and support your recovery. Avoid high-fat processed foods, and any foods high in cholesterol and sugars.
• Regular physical activity – Once your doctor approves, aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise (e.g. walking, cycling, etc.) most days of the week. Exercise can strengthen the heart, improve your circulation and lower your blood pressure, all of which can be crucial for managing your heart health after experiencing a heart attack or stroke.
• Quit smoking – Smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is responsible for one in every four deaths from CVD. The harmful chemicals you inhale when smoking can cause serious damage to your heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can reduce the flow of blood to your heart and increase the risk of a heart attack. According to Heart UK, stopping smoking can significantly benefit your heart health by reducing the risk of a heart attack by half within one year, and to that of a non-smoker within 15 years.
• Limiting your alcohol intake – From raising blood pressure to increasing the risk of heart failure, drinking too much alcohol can have a serious impact on your heart. Limit your alcohol intake to 1-2 units per day, or as recommended by your doctor.
• Monitoring your symptoms – Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or weakness, as these could be signs of worsening symptoms or potentially a recurrence.
• Having regular check-ups – Keep up with follow-up appointments to track your recovery and adjust medications as needed.

Read more about information and support available to you after experiencing a stroke.