The time after an AD is not only a period of recovery. It can also be an opportunity to look at some things in your everyday life differently.

You do not have to change your whole life overnight. Often, it is the small habits that can make a difference in the long run. What makes me feel good? What do I want to keep doing? And where could I make a small change?

The first few months after surgery can be a good time to develop new routines that will support you in the long term.

Checking your blood pressure

One of the most important new habits may be checking your blood pressure regularly. Over time, you can get a better sense of how your body responds to medication, exercise, rest or particular situations. Your readings can also help your medical team make sure your treatment is properly adjusted.

After an aortic dissection, keeping both blood pressure and heart rate under good control is particularly important. The target values for you personally depend on your individual situation, your surgery and your medication.

Your personal target should therefore always be discussed with your medical team.

Especially at the beginning, medications such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors or ARBs can change the way your circulation feels. If you experience dizziness or unusual weakness, do not simply ignore it – talk to your doctor or healthcare professional.

Becoming smoke-free 

Smoking puts strain on the heart and blood vessels and is an important avoidable risk factor for vascular disease. Quitting smoking is therefore one of the most meaningful changes you can make for your long-term vascular health, which is likely what your doctors have recommended to you as well.

If you do not manage to quit on your first attempt: get support. You do not have to do it alone.

The same applies to e-cigarettes. They should not be considered completely harmless for people with vascular disease, and their long-term safety in people with aortic disease is not well established.

Alcohol – less is more

It is also worth taking a conscious approach to alcohol. While your medication is still being adjusted or your circulation is not yet stable, it may be sensible to avoid alcohol altogether for a while.

Alcohol can affect blood pressure and may interact with certain medications. If you are unsure, ask your medical team or pharmacist whether alcohol is compatible with your medication.

Food that supports your health

Another positive habit can be a balanced, heart- and vascular-friendly diet. The Mediterranean-style diet is one of the eating patterns for which there is good evidence of benefits for cardiovascular health. It includes plenty of vegetables and fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, as well as fish. Olive oil and other plant-based oils can be used as important sources of fat. Highly processed foods, large amounts of salt and sugar, and less healthy fats should be limited.

This is not about having a perfect diet – and certainly not about going on a strict diet. It is about what you eat regularly in everyday life.

And one more important habit: taking breaks

A healthy routine is not just about checking your blood pressure, eating well and staying active. Rest can be a routine too.

After an aortic dissection, many people see their body differently. Some become more cautious, while others become afraid of any physical activity. Both can affect everyday life. That is why your new routines can also include making time for rest, sleep, family, friends or things that make you happy.

You do not have to live a "perfectly healthy" life after your operation. Small changes that you can maintain are more valuable than a radical new start that lasts only a few weeks. And perhaps that is the most important new habit of all: Not everything at once. Step by step.

This text was created by AD-Selbsthilfe. Reproduction, publication or use of this content, in whole or in part, requires prior permission from AD-Selbsthilfe.