Life After a Heart Attack

Many people survive heart attacks and live active and full lives. If you get help quickly, treatment can limit the damage to your heart muscle. Less heart damage improves your chances for a better quality of life after a heart attack.

Medical Followup

After a heart attack, you will need treatment for coronary artery disease to prevent another heart attack. Your doctor may recommend:

• Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, following a healthy diet, increasing your physical activity, and losing weight, if needed
• Medicines to control chest pain or discomfort, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and your heart’s workload
• Participation in a cardiac rehabilitation program

Returning to Normal Activities

After a heart attack, most people without chest pain or discomfort or other complications can safely return to most of their normal activities within a few weeks. Most can begin walking immediately. Sexual activity also can begin within a few weeks for most patients. Discuss with your doctor a safe schedule for returning to your normal activities.

If allowed by State law, driving can usually begin within a week for most patients who don’t have chest pain or discomfort or other complications. Each State has rules about driving a motor vehicle following a serious illness. People with complications shouldn’t drive until their symptoms have been stable for a few weeks.

Anxiety and Depression After a Heart Attack

After a heart attack, many people worry about having another heart attack. Sometimes they feel depressed and have trouble adjusting to the new lifestyle that’s needed to limit further heart trouble. Your doctor may recommend medicine or professional counseling if you have depression or anxiety. Physical activity can improve mental well-being, but you should consult with your doctor before starting any fitness activities.

Risk of a Repeat Heart Attack

Once you’ve had a heart attack, you’re at higher risk for another one. It’s important to know the difference between angina and a heart attack. The pain of angina usually occurs after exertion and goes away in a few minutes when you rest or take medicine as directed. During a heart attack, the pain is usually more severe than angina, and it doesn’t go away when you rest or take medicine. If you don’t know whether your chest pain is angina or a heart attack, call 9–1–1.

Remember, the symptoms of a second heart attack may not be the same as those of a first heart attack. Don’t take a chance if you’re in doubt. Always call 9–1–1 within 5 minutes if you or someone you’re with has symptoms of a heart attack.

Unfortunately, most heart attack victims wait 2 hours or more after their symptoms begin before they seek medical help. This delay can result in lasting heart damage or death.