DISCHARGE PLANNING

Medications Exercise

Exercising makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and helps keep you healthy. It is best to start exercising slowly and do more as you get stronger. Talk to your physician before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. Exercise regularly for 30 minutes a day if you are not overweight, and for 60 - 90 minutes a day if you are overweight.

Treatment

To help prevent atherosclerosis or its complications (such as heart disease and stroke), make the following lifestyle changes: Avoid fatty foods. Everyone should keep their blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or have had a stroke or heart attack, your blood pressure should probably be less than 130/80 mm/Hg. Adults should have their cholesterol checked every 5 years.

Health teaching

Get your blood pressure checked every 1 - 2 years, especially if high blood pressure runs in your family. Have your blood pressure checked more often if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or you have had a stroke. Talk to your doctor about how often you should have yours checked. Specific recommendations depend on your age and blood pressure readings. Guidelines no longer recommend vitamins E or C, antioxidants, or folic acid to prevent heart disease. All adults should keep their LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels below 130-160 mg/dL.

Out-patient Diet

Eat a variety of healthy foods every day. Your

diet should include fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, and protein (such as chicken, fish, and beans). Eating healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy. Ask your physician if you should be on a special diet. You may be told to eat foods that are low in fat or cholesterol. You may also be told to limit the amount of salt you eat. Special cookbooks can make it easier to plan low fat and low salt meals. Weighing too much can make your heart work harder and can cause serious health problems. Talk to your physician about a weight loss plan if you are overweight. Stop drinking alcohol if you have an addiction to it. Binges drinking (drinking a lot at one time) or regularly drinking three or more drinks daily can damage the heart and blood vessels. Ask your physician if it is safe for you to drink alcohol.