Choosing the right nutrition and lifestyle during recovery is considered very important for heart attack patients and heart patients. In recent years, many types of medical research and cardiology studies have highlighted that the level of Vitamin D in the body has a direct relation with heart health. A question often arises in the minds of patients who have previously suffered a heart attack whether taking Vitamin D supplements really reduces the risk of another heart attack or any serious cardiac event. Cardiologists and health experts, while sharing their scientific opinion on this subject, have put forward many important information regarding its benefits and correct dosage.
Vitamin D in the human body not only helps in strengthening the bones but it also plays a very important role in controlling blood pressure, reducing inflammation of the arteries and making the heart muscles function smoothly. According to medical science, when a person has a heart attack for the first time, his heart cells and arteries come under extreme stress. Due to deficiency of Vitamin D in the body, stiffness in the arteries increases and endothelial function gets affected, due to which the risk of recurring blood clots or sudden increase in blood pressure increases. For this reason, cardiologists compulsorily include vitamin D testing in the patient's profile after the first attack.
Often patients believe that by taking Vitamin D pills or supplements, they will be completely protected from recurring heart attacks. However, international cardiology studies and recent clinical trials have made it clear that vitamin D supplements are not a magical protection shield, but if a patient has a severe deficiency of vitamin D in the body, then it is very important to bring it to normal level through supplements. Having the right amount of Vitamin D in the body reduces inflammation of the heart arteries and strengthens cardiovascular health. According to experts, the main function of supplements is to prevent excess pressure on the cardiovascular system by filling the deficiency, which indirectly reduces the risk of re-attack.
Consuming any type of vitamin supplement yourself or directly from a medical store can cause serious danger. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that excessive amounts of it can accumulate in the body and cause toxicity. If a heart patient takes overdose supplements daily without doctor's advice, the calcium level in his blood may suddenly increase (Hypercalcemia). This leads to accumulation of calcium in the arteries and kidneys, which can harm heart health. Therefore, after getting the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D test done after the first attack, only the dosage prescribed by the doctor should be followed.
In addition to supplements, patients after the first heart attack should try to improve vitamin D levels through natural methods in their daily lives. Spending 15 to 20 minutes in mild and warm morning sunlight is the most effective way to get vitamin D. Along with this, it is beneficial to include fatty fish like salmon and tuna, egg yolk, fortified milk and mushrooms in your diet. Heart patients need to understand that balanced levels of Vitamin D, a balanced diet, regular medicines as recommended by the doctor, light exercise and a stress-free lifestyle can effectively reduce the risk of recurring heart attacks.