Life Expectancy Post Heart Attack

About 30 million adults living in The United States struggle with heart disease, but the reality is that many more are at the doorstep without even knowing it. Approximately 600,000 Americans lose their lives to a cardiovascular issue like MI (Myocardial Infarction) per annum. But what is the actual life expectancy after MI (heart attack) by age?

Life Expectancy after a Heart Attack In Terms Of Age

It is not possible to predict a figure of how long you will live after a heart attack, but recent research provides some insights.

Both men and women see a decline in life expectancy after a heart attack. On average, longevity may drop by 8-10%, around 8 to 9 years less for someone who would have otherwise lived to age 85 without heart disease.

During a heart attack, your heart muscles starve for oxygen due to blocked arteries. If blood flow is not restored within 90 minutes, irreversible damage occurs. When diagnosed with heart disease, your life expectancy might take a hit. However, taking the right steps in terms of treatment and condition management is the key to living a healthy life.

Top 3 Early Warning Signs of Heart Disease

Fortunately, there have been substantial advancements in heart disease treatment over the last 20 years. Therefore, it is safe to say that there are multiple cardiovascular treatments available to save lives when caught early on time. For individuals with heart disease or risk factors, recognizing initial warning signs can be a lifesaver:

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort
   Changes in your body are often the most common symptom that appears when your heart needs help. The condition is characterized by fullness, pressure, or a squeezing sensation.
2. Radiating Pain
   If you can feel the pain moving around from the neck to your left arm or back, do not ignore it.
3. Shortness of Breath
   You should be able to breathe normally at all times. In case you feel out of breath, particularly when lying down or at rest, this symptom demands attention.
4. Other Symptoms
   • Lightheadedness
   • Nausea
   • Heavy sweating
   • Less endurance during exercise
   • Extreme fatigue

Can You Improve Life Expectancy After Heart Attack

Some steps you can take to make the rest of your life better:

1. Quit Smoking: The risk of recurrence lessens to a considerable extent when you kick off smoking from your list.
2. Weight Management: Shedding excess pounds aids in better heart health.
3. Stay Active: Regular physical activity, be it walking, swimming, or cycling, can work wonders.
4. Do Not Skip Medication: Follow your prescribed medication to control blood pressure and reduce the risk of recurrent heart attacks.
5. Blood Sugar Control: If you are a diabetic patient, keep blood sugar levels in check.
6. Manage Cholesterol Levels: Lowering cholesterol with dietary changes and exercise is essential, with medication as an option if needed.
7. Regular Checkups: Stay on top of your health by attending scheduled appointments with your doctor.
8. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Dr. Rajesh Ramineni, a 5-star rated cardiologist in The Woodlands, certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the field of Echocardiography, advises engaging in post-heart attack rehabilitation to boost physical fitness and reduce stress.
9. Healthy Diet Choices: Diets like the Mediterranean or Dash diet emphasize plant-based options with less meat and salt, which is great for your heart.

Closing Note

Managing your heart health significantly positively impacts your life expectancy. Recognizing warning signs and adopting healthy habits allows you to live a longer, healthy life. Contact Healthy Living Heart and Vein if you need assistance of any kind; we are here to help you out. Call us at (936) 978-0466 to schedule an appointment.