Life after a Heart Attack

There are millions of people who have survived a heart attack. Many recover fully and are able to lead normal lives.

If you have already had a heart attack, your goals are to:

• Recover and resume normal activities as much as possible
  
• Prevent another heart attack
  
• Prevent complications, such as heart failure or cardiac arrest.
  

After a Heart Attack, you will need to see your doctor regularly for checkups and tests to see how your heart is doing. Your doctor will also most likely recommend:

• Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, changing your diet, or increasing your physical activity
• Medications such as aspirin, nitroglycerin tablets for angina, medicines to lower your cholesterol or blood pressure, and medicines to help reduce your heart's workload
• That you participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Exercise is good for your heart muscle and overall health. It can help you lose weight, keep your cholesterol and blood pressure under control, reduce stress, and lift your mood. If you have angina after your heart attack, you will need to learn when to rest and when and how to take medicine for Angina .

Returning to Usual Activities

After a heart attack, most people are able to return to their normal activities. Ask your doctor when you should go back to:

• Driving
  
• Physical activity
  
• Work
  
• Sexual activity
  
• Strenuous activities (running, heavy lifting, etc.)
  
• Air travel.
  

Most people without chest pain following an uncomplicated heart attack can safely return to most of their usual activities within a few weeks. Most can begin walking immediately. Sexual activity with the usual partner can also begin within a few weeks for most patients without chest pain or other complications.

Driving can usually begin within a week for most patients without chest pain or other complications if allowed by state law. Each state has rules for driving a motor vehicle following a serious illness. Patients with complications or chest pain should not drive until their symptoms have been stable for a few weeks.

Your doctor will tell you when you should return to each of these activities.

Anxiety and Depression After a Heart Attack