Recent studies have found that having a heart attack is equivalent to 6-13 years of cognitive aging. While these numbers might seem staggering, Ryan Gindi, M.D., a cardiologist at Henry Ford Health, explains what can be done to maintain your brain and heart health after suffering from a major cardiac event.
Heart attacks occur when blood supply is cut off from the heart. Without adequate blood flow, the heart becomes deprived of oxygen and is unable to function properly. As a result, you may experience symptoms such as chest pain or weakness. The reduced blood flow to and from the heart also impacts blood flow to other parts of the body, including the brain. If the brain is deprived of oxygen-rich blood for too long, it increases your risk of cognitive decline following your heart attack.
“Just as your cardiac function can decline after a heart attack, it is possible for cognition to decline as well,” says Dr. Gindi. “Fortunately, just as there are things that you can do to get your heart functioning like normal after a heart attack, there are also things you can do to improve cognitive health.”
Recovering From A Heart Attack, Cognitively And Physically
According to Dr. Gindi, immediately following a heart attack many patients will experience a decline in memory. This is often the result of sedation used if a procedure was required, stress because of the heart attack, or even general delirium from being in the hospital and adjusting to recovery from a major cardiac event.
Your chances for post-heart attack cognition changes depend on the severity of your heart attack. While some minor heart events can be treated quickly, others may require more complex procedures. The longer that the heart and brain go without a steady blood supply, the more dangerous the heart attack and the greater the risk of cognitive decline.
“Studies have found that in one week after a heart attack, patients may experience about a 50-70% decline in cognitive function,” says Dr. Gindi. “In a couple months after your heart attack, these results will continue to improve as you regain cardiac and cognitive function.”
If you aren’t seeing improvement in your cognitive abilities following a heart attack, talk with your doctor. While cognitive testing isn’t typically part of your post-heart attack recovery plan, your doctor may refer you to a neurologist for further assessment.
How To Improve Upon Your Heart And Cognitive Health
After having a heart attack, you are at a greater risk of having another one. To prevent this from happening, it is important that you make necessary lifestyle changes to promote a healthy mind and body.
“From a cardiology standpoint, our main priorities for you after a heart attack are to make sure your blood pressure and lipid levels are improving as well as ensure you learn how to strengthen your heart again in cardiac rehabilitation,” says Dr. Gindi.
Dr. Gindi notes that the best thing you can do to protect your heart and your brain following a heart attack is to monitor your health. If you start to notices changes, talk with your doctor.
Additionally, here are several things you can take action on to improve on your heart and brain health:
- Take doctor recommended medications. Medications can help you keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. Not to mention that blood pressure medications also have been proven to improve your cognitive function.
- Exercise. While many people want to shy away from exercise following a heart attack, cardiologists stress that staying active is your best bet. “Blood flow to the brain is what gives us energy to get through the day,” says Dr. Gindi. “The best way to do that is to get moving."
- Challenge your brain. Cognitive decline can impact your memory and problem-solving abilities. Keep your brain sharp with brain games or puzzles. These activities are not only fun, but they make your brain work in different ways to improve function.
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol. Tobacco and nicotine use can significantly increase your risk of a heart attack, especially if you have already had one before. Alcohol use can increase your risk for high blood pressure and diabetes – common risk factors for a heart attack or stroke.
- Make healthy food choices. Focus on making diet choices that boost your brain health and are good for your heart. Consider trying a Mediterranean or blue zone diet that prioritize fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, and lean proteins.
- Up your social engagements. It may take some time for you to feel like your normal self after a heart attack, but that is no excuse to not get together with friends and family. Engaging with those around you helps ward off loneliness and is great for improving your cognitive function.
- Practice stress management. “So often in medicine, there is a focus on treating the body and not the mind,” says Dr. Gindi. “We are really good at controlling risk factors for a heart attack, but not as much at creating a space for quieting the mind.” Controlling your stress levels can protect your heart and keep your mind sharp. Find stress relief techniques like guided meditation to help you relax.
After having a heart attack, many patients stress about getting back into a normal routine. Remember that improving your heart and cognitive function is possible, but it does take time. Dr. Gindi also notes that the results of this study aren’t meant to scare people. Rather, they help to shine a light on the reality of how a heart attack impacts more than just the heart.
Cognitive health isn’t necessarily the focus following a heart attack, but as doctors continue to learn more about it, it opens the door for prioritizing cognitive testing as part of standard practices of care. In the meantime, the best thing patients can do is to keep your heart healthy and your mind sharp.
Reviewed by Dr. Ryan Gindi, a cardiologist who sees patients at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital and Henry Ford Medical Center – Bloomfield Township.
