Cardiopulmonary Arrest or a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is when there is no blood circulation in the body as the heart has stopped contracting. Following a heart attack or a cardiac arrest, the lifestyle of an individual is changed for good, and prevention of another one is sought.
Life after a cardiac arrest
Life after the first heart attack starts with a cardiac rehabilitation program. This is compulsory if you wish to live a normal active life. You are trained to exercise, educated about the healthy habits for your heart and taught methods to lower down your stress levels. Of course, there is medical treatment, pills for high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. You are given an advisory to quit smoking and following a healthy diet for the heart.
Heart-Healthy Diet
- More of Veggies and Fruits
Nutrients in fruits and vegetables are known to prevent cardiovascular diseases. These have a high source of vitamins and minerals. When you eat, more of fruits and vegetables there is a less calorie intake, you get more fiber and you tend to eat less of high fat food, which is bad for the health of the heart.
- Whole Grains
Whole grains such as buckwheat, brown rice, barley, whole-wheat flour, oatmeal are rich in nutrients good for the heart as well as maintaining blood pressure. The whole grains are going to provide you with a good supply of fiber. Fiber is known to improve digestion and prevent heart diseases.
- Lowering the Intake of Unhealthy Fats
This is utmost important as saturated and Trans fats increase the blood cholesterol. High blood cholesterol is will narrow the blood flow in your arteries and enhance the risk of a cardiac arrest and stroke. Avoid fats like butter, margarine and use more of olive oil and canola oil. Using more of monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats is recommended.
- Stick to Low Fat Protein
Fish, eggs, low-fat dairy products, poultry are good sources of proteins. Fish, flaxseeds, soybeans, canola oil and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Blood fats and triglycerides are lowered by omega-3 fatty acids. Switching to plant proteins like beans, peas and lentils are a better option than the animal proteins as they will limit your cholesterol and fat consumption.
- Minimize Sodium Intake
Including a high amount of sodium in your diet is an invitation to cardiovascular diseases as it causes high blood pressure. One way is to reduce the salt in the food on your table and the food you cook. Avoid eating canned products as they have high salt content.
Get a healthy diet tailored for yourself, a dietician will help you pick the food, which is good for you.