Pain after heart attack may indicate long-term survival.

Pain after heart attack may indicate long-term survival.

The Link Between Post-Heart Attack Pain and Long-Term Survival: Insights from a New Study

A heart attack is a life-altering event. Survivors often face physical and emotional challenges, from managing their cardiovascular health to coping with pain. But did you know that post-heart attack pain can have long-term implications for a patient’s survival?

Recent research suggests a link between experiencing pain one year after a heart attack and a higher likelihood of death within the next eight years. This finding highlights the significance of pain as a risk factor and the importance of addressing it as part of the patient’s overall care.

The study, conducted by Linda Vixner, an associate professor of medical science at Dalarna University in Sweden, analyzed the health data of over 18,300 adults who had experienced a heart attack. The participants’ pain levels were assessed through a two-month follow-up and a questionnaire completed one year after their heart attacks.

Surprisingly, almost 45% of the participants reported moderate or extreme pain one year after their heart attacks. This persistent and long-term pain was found to be a significant indicator of future mortality. Patients with moderate pain were 35% more likely to die from any cause during the study period of 8.5 years, while those with extreme pain were more than twice as likely to succumb compared to those without pain.

Pain is often overlooked as a risk factor in cardiovascular health. However, this study sheds light on the importance of pain management strategies and its impact on long-term survival. Pain can impair a patient’s daily functioning, leading to disability and a reduced quality of life. In fact, pain is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and overall death.

• Study finds most healthy infants hospitalized with RSV.
• Two-thirds of Americans have been affected by addiction, according ...
• Expert Advice for Safe Return to School Sports

Vixner emphasizes the relevance of recognizing and assessing pain after a heart attack, stating, “After a heart attack, it’s important to assess and recognize pain as an important risk factor of future mortality. In addition, severe pain may be a potential obstacle to rehabilitation and participation in important heart-protective activities such as regular exercise; reduced or lack of physical activity, in turn, increases risk.”

The study findings have important implications for healthcare professionals. It highlights the need for assessing and addressing pain as part of the patient’s treatment plan. Doctors should consider pain levels when recommending treatment and making long-term prognoses. Pain management strategies need to be integrated into the comprehensive care provided to heart attack survivors.

Reducing other risk factors for heart disease becomes particularly crucial for patients experiencing pain. These risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. By effectively managing pain and addressing other risk factors, healthcare providers can enhance the chances of long-term survival and improve the patient’s overall well-being.

It’s important to note that this study was conducted in Sweden and included only participants from that country. Therefore, the results may not apply universally. However, the findings provide valuable insights into the significance of post-heart attack pain as an indicator of long-term survival.

Heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally. In the United States alone, 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease. This alarming statistic reinforces the urgency to address post-heart attack pain and its potential impact on patient outcomes. By monitoring pain levels and implementing appropriate pain management strategies, healthcare professionals can contribute to improved survival rates and enhanced quality of life for heart attack survivors.

References: – Vixner, L., et al. (2023). Association of Pain After Myocardial Infarction With Long-term Mortality. Journal of the American Heart Association, 12(17), e022148. – The American Heart Association. (2023). Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report from the American Heart Association.