Leading a healthy lifestyle is essential for maintaining your heart health. But, is there any hope for your damaged heart muscle? When a heart is damaged from a heart attack or other problems, it will be unable to pump blood throughout the body as well as it should. Generally, after an injury, your heart might have some ability to make new muscle and feasibly repair itself.

However, the rate of regeneration is so slow, though. Besides, it cannot fix the kind of damage from a heart attack. That is why the rapid healing after a heart attack will create scar tissue in place of working muscle tissue. Although the damaged heart muscle cannot be replaced, there are several ways you can strengthen your heart whilst following the healing process. Basically, this includes activity, feelings, diet, as well as sexual activity.

  • Activity

For the first few weeks after a heart attack or other problems that cause your damaged heart, you may feel tired or weak. Do not be afraid to get moving but at the same time do it moderately according to your ability. Human heart is a muscle, and exercise is what strengthens any muscle.

  1. Spread your activities throughout the day and remember not to force yourself. In case you become tired, you are advised to rest and schedule unfinished activities for another day.
  2. You are encouraged to climb stairs at home, but please avoid it if your doctor told you not to. If that is the case, arrange your activities so that you do not have to climb up and down stairs several times throughout the day.
  3. A regular walking program is a good way to regain your stamina and energy. You are advised to walk everyday as the doctor prescribed. You may also ask your doctor about the suitable amount of exercise for you.
  4. When you feel stronger enough, you may return to light household chores.
  • Feelings

Emotions affect our heart health, some patients after a heart attack may feel depressed, afraid and angry. These are actually normal responses that often go away with time, and to help relieve these emotional blues:

  1. Avoid staying in bed all day and get dressed everyday.
  2. Get out and have a daily walk.This activity will help you have a healthy body and mind.
  3. Resume any of your hobbies as well as social activities that you enjoy.
  4. You may share your feelings with your family or a friend.
  5. Remember to always have a good night’s sleep.
  • Diet

Eating heart healthy foods is very crucial to maintain heart health, and to prevent future complications of heart disease.

  1. Eat more fruits, vegetables, legumes, & whole grains
  2. Consume fat calories in a moderate amount
  3. Eat a variety of protein foods
  4. Control the intake of cholesterol
  5. Control the intake of simple carbohydrates, use the complex carbohydrates for energy instead.
  6. Reduce sodium amount, but  increase your intake of calcium, magnesium, and potassium

On top of that, quitting smoking may be tough. However, you know that smoking is linked to heart diseases, and it becomes the biggest reason for you to quit smoking for the sake of your heart health.

  • Sexual Activity

 

A sexual relationship requires both emotional and physical aspects. You may discuss this with your doctor before resuming sexual activity especially if you are likely becoming overtired. Some tips:

  1. Talk openly with your partner regarding your problem
  2. Have sex when you are physically comfortable

Conclusion

Being physically active is one of the most effective ways for strengthening the heart muscle. However, if you have experienced  any problems that caused damage to the heart, you are advised to exercise according to your ability. You may discuss any difficulties while meeting your doctor.