Heart Attack

Published on: April 15, 2021

Overwork After a Heart Attack Could Increase Risk of Second Event

A person who has suffered a heart attack may experience residual effects much longer after the initial attack and even after rehabilitation. According to a new study, working longer hours or under strenuous conditions could expose a heart attack patient to the risk of another attack.

The researchers found that the risk of a heart attack increased significantly when a person who had suffered a heart attack worked more than 55 hours a week after recovering from his cardiac arrest, compared to persons who worked between 35 and 40 hours a week. In fact, according to the researchers, the increased risk of the second heart attack is equal to the risk of smoking.

The researchers suggest that workers who have suffered a heart attack work together with the employer to come up with interventions that accommodate the need for less strenuous work as well as changes to the work environment to accommodate these needs.

Continue reading →

Published on: November 30, 2017

Study Finds Over-Exercising Linked to Cardiac Problems

By Lisa Siegel

Exercise is an absolute must for good health, but overdoing exercise, especially for some members of the population, could cause an increase in the risk of cardiac disease.

According to researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago, white men who over-exercise have a risk of heart disease that is almost twice as high as those who exercise in moderation. Researchers studied more than 3,000 participants over a five-year period, and found that white men who exercised for approximately 7 ½ hours per week were more likely to report symptoms of cardiac disease, including clogging of the arteries. White men were 86% more likely to suffer from symptoms of coronary artery calcification over time as compared to black males.

This should not, however, be taken to mean that you should stop exercising. Exercise in moderation is key to a healthy lifestyle.

Continue reading →

Published on: March 19, 2017

Heart Failure Rates in U.S. on the Rise

By Lisa Siegel

While the fatality rate from cardiac disease is on its way down across the United States, the rates of heart failure are increasing. That information comes from a new report by the American Heart Association, which also finds that cardiac disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States.

According to the report, over a period of just five years, the number of Americans who suffer from heart failure increased by 800,000. In fact, according to the American Heart Association (AMA), over the next few years, that rate is expected to increase further. By 2030, the rate of heart failure in the US is expected to increase by a staggering 46%. Approximately 8,000,000 people by that time will suffer from some degree of heart failure. At special risk are seniors and survivors of heart attacks, who constitute the most at-risk groups for heart failure.

A person who suffers from heart failure will typically encounter a number of complications that severely impact his or her health. For instance, heart failure increases the risk of blood leaking into other organs, including the liver and lungs. Persons, who suffer from heart failure may also experience shortness of breath, frequent swelling of the extremities, accelerated heart rate, confusion, disorientation, severe cough, and accumulation of body fluids. Furthermore, symptoms of heart failure tend to worsen over time.

Continue reading →

Published on: October 18, 2016

Do I Qualify for Social Security Benefits for Coronary Artery Disease?

By Lisa Siegel

Different types of heart conditions may make a person eligible for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program. However, merely being diagnosed with a heart condition does not necessarily qualify a person for benefits.

Take, for instance, the case of coronary artery disease. This is a condition in which there is a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. It can be very serious because the arteries are responsible for supplying blood to your heart muscles. Coronary artery disease can result in a heart attack when the arteries are severely blocked, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the heart muscles.

In order to qualify for benefits for coronary artery disease, you must prove that you suffer from the symptoms that are contained in the listing for myocardial ischemia. These include severe chest discomfort during exertion, or shortness of breath.

Continue reading →

Published on: October 29, 2013

Late Treatment Often Delays Return-to-Work for Heart Attack Patients

By Lisa Siegel

When persons who suffer a heart attack do not receive treatment immediately, they are much more likely to return to work later, and also frequently must enter into an early retirement. Those findings come from research that was recently presented at the Acute Cardiac Care Congress.

According to the Congress, delays from the time a call has been made to emergency medical services to when treatment is received, can lead to an increase in mortality and heart failure after a myocardial infarction.

Until now, researchers have not been able to tell whether delayed treatment had any real and tangible effect on return to work after treatment. The researchers decided to investigate this particular area because a delayed return to work, or a premature retirement after heart attack, is often financially disastrous for patients.

Continue reading →