Recent heart attack

[MostynE]

Hi

I suffered a heart attack on 23rd Feb caused by an AF. Was a huge shock but I am recovering well. I am however struggling to get support/ advice from GP and still waiting for invite to cardiac rehab group. Any advice on

Heart healthy diet ( need to lose weight as well as be heart healthy)

Driving, contacting insurance etc…

Thanks

[Happyrosie]

so, first of all, thank you for joining the club (though nobody wants to be here …..), and I’m glad you are recovering well. Yes it’s always a shock!

Advice on heart-healthy diet on the BHS website. Basically, home cooking, keep unhealthy snacks to a minimum. Plenty of veg and fruit, watch the salt, drink plenty of water.

You’ll be given advice on this, and on exercise, at your rehab.

Driving: look at the government website.

Insurance: if you are talking about life assurance then all you need to is ensure you keep up your premium payments. Critical illness insurance, you may be able to make a claim.

If you are talking about existing travel insurance, you will need to read the policy information as the companies do differ. For new travel insurance, read the relevant part of the Moneysavingexpert website for guidance.

hope this helps

[Lowerfield_no_more]

+1 on above. And If you require any medical advice, you could try BHF Heart Helpline nurse as below, or the cardio team at the hospital where you are being treated for it is they who are primarily responsible for your heart health care until you are discharged back to your GP in accordance with your care plan.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Qualipop]

Car insurance? Tell them but they won't care and it won't increase the price. You will have to stop driving for a short time but after that it's fine.

Food, Ditch ready meals, pies and fries,pizza, take aways, cakes biscuits etc. Cut down on red meat; have chicken and fish instead. Alcohol, ideally none but if that's not possible then just a half as rarely as possible. Sweet treats, one or two squares of dark chocolate are good for you. Smoking NO.

I used the recipes on the BHF home page. Instead of mince meat I used quorn in things like shepherds pie or bolognese. My husband still hasn't realised 6 years later. Bulk up meals with tons of veg. I cut out all biscuits, cakes crisps etc and got nuts instead. Use herbs spices, garlic etc instead of salt to flavour food. I lost 2 stone very quickly doing that - without even thinking of losing weight. Use a smaller plate too.

Exercise will be advised at rehab but meantime just keep mobile pottering around teh house and short walks round teh garden or just along teh street. Nothing strenuous.

[MostynE in reply to Qualipop]

Thank you so much for this. Exceptionally useful.

[Chinkoflight]

On the diet front and if you want to start understanding your body health then I recommend Tim Spector as a reading source.I have been in two health areas now and they offer great emergency health care but very little in meaningful follow up care. I hope you get some support. But finding HealthUnlocked is a good place to be for the day to day stuff. Try to be specific in your questions a d offer as much information as possible.