Healthy Heart Care for Dialysis Patients
Many dialysis patients must deal with the increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Patients must work with their healthcare providers in order to reduce their risks of experiencing heart attacks and strokes.
Of course, as a patient, you should also take the appropriate steps to effectively manage your health issues associated with diabetes and hypertension. Your willingness to adopt healthy lifestyle habits will determine your enjoyment of a good quality of life despite your current health issues.
#1 Control Your Blood Glucose Levels
Be sure to check your blood sugar levels according to the frequency suggested by your doctor. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan as well as including your medications, diet and exercise.
#2 Control Your Blood Pressure
Hypertension increases the risks for heart attacks and strokes, so controlling your blood pressure levels is a must. Ask your doctor about your target blood pressure as a dialysis patient. In general, it is less than 140/90 before the dialysis treatment and then less than 130/80 after the dialysis treatment. Keep a record of your blood pressure levels and then report to your doctor or nurse if you observe any untoward symptoms.
Tip: Be mindful of your fluid and salt intake since fluid build-up can be dangerous for your health. Be sure to take your anti-hypertensive medications, too, since these are essential in controlling your hypertension.
#3 Adopt a Heart-healthy Diet
A healthier body starts with a healthier diet. Ask your doctor about the dos and don’ts of your diet although the following rules apply:
• Limit your intake of food high in saturated fats and cholesterol, such as whole milk, cheese, eggs and fried foods.
• Eat more heart-healthy food particularly those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as cold water fish like albacore, tuna, sardines, and salmon, as well as canola oil, flaxseed oil, and walnuts.
• Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as nuts and seeds, since these are good for your heart.
Tip: Ask your doctor about changes to your diet when you are on either a protein or potassium modified diet. Keep in mind that even the smallest changes in your diet can have large effects on your health.
#4 Increase Physical Activity Dialysis
Dialysis patients are well-advised to engage in appropriate physical activity to aid in controlling their blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Even brisk walking will suffice in lowering high cholesterol levels, improving cardiovascular fitness, and increasing energy levels.
#5 Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits
The first order of the day: Stop smoking if you are already a smoker. Your kidneys, heart and lungs as well as blood vessels can only take so much abuse before eventually succumbing to disease. Then you must also stop drinking alcohol, sweetened drinks including soda, and other unhealthy beverages since these are also detrimental to your health.
Get sufficient hours of sleep. Manage your stress. Adopt a positive attitude in life despite your health issues. All of these are essential in helping your body cope with its various health problems.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Anaheim, which is conveniently located near Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, La Mirada, Cerritos, Buena Park and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit healthpointe.net