After a Heart Attack

Most people survive a first heart attack and go on to live a very productive life. These are few steps that you can take after a heart attack to ensure a full recovery:

• Recovery starts in the Hospital: Patients are usually kept in the hospital for three days to a week after a heart attack or even longer if they have had procedures such as bypass surgery. Before leaving the hospital the doctor may put you on new medicines which are used to treat and control the symptoms and contributing factors related to your heart attack.
• Emotional Health after a Heart Attack: After a heart attack, it's common to have negative feelings like fear, depression and anxiety. They can affect your ability to exercise and interfere with your family life, your work, and have a negative impact on your recovery and these feelings often last for about two to six months.
• Cardiac Rehab: Hospitals provide patients with rehabilitation program that you can participate as an outpatient. Most cardiac rehab programs consist of three parts:
  • Exercise led by a certified exercise specialist.
  • Classes to teach you about risk factors for heart disease and different ways to reduce those risks.
  • It provides support to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Making Changes to Reduce Heart Risk:
  • Quit smoking.
  • Treat and control high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
  • Manage diabetes and obesity.
  • Choose a heart-healthy diet.
  • Become more active.