a heart attack, advice needed

[Cooked]

My husband is 51 and we thought in pretty good shape. He has a strenuous job, working on large machinery and is on call 24/7. He was called in at 3:30 am and was up 9' on top of a machine. It was extremely hot and he had not eaten or had anything but coffee, and at 11 am he lost all his strength. He had to climb down the ladder, which he has no idea how he did it. He had no real pain at first, just could not move, he was exausted, sweating, grey and very thirsty. He could not control movement for he was too weak. They called an ambulance and they were with him for 40 min till they could take him to hospital. There they told me he had a major heart attack.
My children were able to come as was his mother. They put in a large stent within an hour of getting there and they said the attack was smaller than they had anticipated.
They said that the timing of his co-workers getting the EMT's there saved his life, it also saved him from having much damage to his heart, minutes would have made a horrible difference. We were so blessed that his co-workers did not hesitate at all before calling 911, they kept him calm and saved his life.
He is home and feeling tired, but really well. We are now going to change our daily life. We have to learn to eat well, exercise and to have less stress. This has been put off for too many years, and it is time. I love this man more than anything in life, I have never been so terrified, and I want us to be together for a long, long time, 28 years is not enough.
If anyone has any tips for making good food taste good, for healthy living, I would be more than greatful for your advise.

[AnnaInOhio]

Cooked

My husband has had heart problems for years.. 3 trips in a year in 2008 with Atrial Fibulation and Congestive Heart Disease.

Some things that I know off the top of my head:

Loose the salt, seriously.

If he smokes, quit. It's not easy.. dh was able to quit with the help of tootsiepops Industrial size box, when he had a desire for a cigarette he would have a tootsiepop also a big container of those soft peppermints, I think the brand name is Bobs? They can be found at Walmarts, Family Dollar and Gordon Food Service.

Low Fat Diet... eat more fish.

We pan fry or steam (pan fry with olive oil sparingly) and sprinkle with black pepper, garlic powder and sometimes oregano.. serve with steamed mixed veggies (watch out for sodium in those though) and serve over rice. Dh likes salsa sometimes on his too.

Just a couple quick things that are going through my head.. Oh and switch from caffeine soda to caffeine free, it's not easy I know.

Take Care and best wishes for a speedy recovery for your dh.

Anna

[missibob]

Anna that is terrific information, all really good.
I know my bil had a heart attack at age 50, he was not overweight, in good shape and smoked. He was very active, as he is now, in hockey and baseball. He now walks every day briskly with his dog, and quit smoking right after the hospital stay. He eats more veggies now, and less red meat. He used to eat steaks rare.
He is a dentist. They are one of the most stressed people that there are. How many times have you heard someone say "Oh I hate dentists"? I worked for him, and I heard that at least twice a day, and it finally works on you, and is most depressing. He held everything in, rarely lost his temper, a really nice guy. So make sure your dh is talking, and try to relieve as much stress in your life as you can.

I really hope everything goes well, and he will be back to himself quickly,


From another Canuck, good luck.

[Cooked]

Anna, thank you for the information and JoAnne for the advice. He quit smoking (after 40 yrs) a year ago and had a very active job. He was told that it was the smoking that nearly killed him. Most people do not think that smoking will block your arteries, it was news to us. We are so thankful that he quit when he did.
I am trying to cut fats and salt. It is NOT easy!!!! I am trying to learn on the net, but am not sure where to go. It will be a life long struggle, but one I hope to learn to love.
Thank you both for your good wishes.

[missibob]

You're so welcome. I smoked for 45 years, and quit cold turkey 6 years ago. I did the patch for 1 month to get started. After that, I chewed quantities of Scotch mints, LOL, and 25 lbs. later I had quit for good. I don't even miss it now, and hate the smell of smoke on people in the stores, etc.


Good luck on your life style changes.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Heart healthy oils are olive oil and canola oil. To add flavor to food, you can sneak in some anchovies (you really cannot taste the fish), jalapenos, sun dried tomatoes, and spices.

Use parchment paper or silicone or nonstick pans to reduce the need for oils.

Good luck.

[MKS]

I'd love to learn these things too. I wish there was a healthy cooking class in every little town because that would help people a lot. And on a side note: Missibob, I love your quote and I am going to steal it! LIVE SO THAT THE PREACHER CAN TELL THE TRUTH AT YOUR FUNERAL

[Jenny]

I don't think you will find it too difficult to learn to prepare healthy foods. Some simple things to remember are:
1. Stop frying and certainly do not deep fry. If you need to pan fry use small amounts and use olive oil. do not fry with canola oil, has cancer causing elements when heated. I often just use a spay on olive oil
2. As already mentioned stay away from salt and cut down on sugars
3. Cut out deserts; have fresh fruit or a something small and simple.
4l Be careful about choosing margarine and stop using butter

My cholesterol was elevated and my doctor told me to stay away from anything that is ready made. Coffee whiteners are full of saturated fats.

It is hard to change habits of a life time and one immediately thinks "I can't do it" but you can and supposedly it only takes 28 days or so to form a new habit. You can do this.
Look forward to hearing how you are doing.

[cat lover]

Depending on all you have to cut out you can do meatless meals a couple times a week also. Dried beans and rice in the same meal will let ammino acids mix and you get the same protein as eating meat without the fat. There are so many dishes you can make with both. My DH had to change his diet 30 some years ago for health reasons. It is hard at first, but once you start eliminating fats from your diet you will feel better too. It is a challenge, but it can be so much fun learning the "new" way to cook!
One other thing is start reading the labels on everything you buy; you will be surprised at what you won't be buying any longer! Some things you just never think about having the bad things in them, but you'll learn fast. And don't always trust the same brand without reading the labels because they frequently change the way they are made.
Would be glad to share recipes with you if you want, just PM me and let me know and we can do it here on FC in one of the threads for others to maybe join in too!

[Cooked]

Misibob, good for you for quitting smoking, I used to have a 2 pack a day habit and quit 27 years ago. It was the hardest, but best thing I ever did. Yay! For us!
Deb, you are right on about the oils, I have been doing my reading! I never thought of using my silpats for anything other than baking, so I am definitely going to start!
MKS, even in our large city the classes are few and far between. If you find them they are really expen$ive, too expensive for me. I am trying to learn via internet, books and these wonderful people on Family Corners. They really can teach us a lot! I will share with you anything I learn, if you want. I will also share the recipes I discover if you are interested.
Jenny, I did not know that about the canola oil! We have cut out as much salt as we can stand, baby steps are needed here. I am still confused about which margarine to use, which tastes best etc.
Cat, we love beans, rice and grains! I am not well versed at recipes with them, but I would sure love to know some more. I am definately pming you!