Treatment for Fatigue After Heart Attack
Many people notice extreme fatigue after a heart attack and wonder if exercising and physical therapy could possibly help. In fact, they are absolutely right!
The fatigue symptom can be debilitating and severely curtail activities of daily living. It can dramatically reduce the individual’s quality of life. Even simple activities can become hugely difficult.
Read on below to find out more about heart-attack related fatigue.
Is fatigue after a heart attack normal?
In a word, yes. Congestive heart failure-related fatigue is very common and perfectly normal. In fact, a Swedish study concluded that half of all survivors experience “onerous fatigue” for four months afterward.
People who haven’t experienced this disorder should not be quick to dismiss it. The symptom can be grueling, causing people to feel like they have the flu. They report feeling completely wiped out by everyday tasks.
Rehabilitation therapy for fatigue after a heart attack
Treatment and care for this symptom are multi-faceted. Like eating well, physical and occupational therapy can be of great help to those feeling tired after a heart attack.
Physical therapy
Regular exercise, when combined with healthy eating and a relaxed physical regimen, can improve recovery from heart attacks. Patient distress can be drastically reduced, or even eliminated, with a professionally-administered regimen of physical therapy.
Physical therapy is delivered on both an out-patient and in-patient basis. Which one your loved one receives will depend on their specific situation.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy can assist patients to become more independent and capable. Self-grooming, hygiene, and eating and drinking are just a few of the daily activities that occupational therapy can help improve.
Just like physical therapy, occupational therapy is based on the level of disability of the patient.
Additionally, the patient’s mental health will frequently improve with occupational therapy. As he or she achieves greater independence, you or your loved one may experience higher levels of happiness and wellbeing.
Final thoughts
The occupational therapy you or your loved one will undergo at Fairview Rehab and Nursing Home in Queens, New York, depends on our personalized consultation. Each patient is unique and we strive to create a comprehensive plan that will address all their needs. Fatigue after a heart attack does not call for a one-size-fits-all solution.
At Fairview, we take pride in the variety of physical therapies we offer to our patients. We offer therapies as diverse as electrical stimulation to mat exercises. We work to ensure that your loved one returns to their best possible condition following a heart attack.
Both in-patient and out-patient treatment programs are delivered with professionalism and focused attention. We know that you or your loved one has unique circumstances and issues and we treat them as the individual they are. But you can rest assured that the decision will be made the greatest of care.
Fairview offers superlative care and treatment to you and your loved ones. Call, email, or visit us today to observe our care firsthand. We offer both in- and outpatient rehabilitation therapy and the best care for fatigue after a heart attack that money can buy.
This article contains informational and educational materials and does not replace health or medical advice. For questions or concerns regarding your medical condition or health objectives, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
Feel vert nervous and lethargic afresh heart attack few months ago.
I’m a little more than two weeks past heart attack one week past stent placement. And honestly by 2pm I’m totally spent out and have to take a nap and even after nap I’m still fatigue I have like 3-4 hours of energy a day and that scares me bc I’m released to go back to work next week and am unsure if I will be able to handle it.