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 dont have chest pain or discomfort or
other complications. Each State has rules about driving a motor vehicle
following a serious illness. People with complications shouldnt 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 thats 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 youve had a heart attack, youre at
higher risk for another one. Its 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 doesnt go away when you rest or take medicine.
If you dont know whether your chest pain is angina or a heart attack,
call 911.
Remember, the symptoms of a second heart attack may
not be the same as those of a first heart attack. Dont take a chance if
youre in doubt. Always call 911 within 5 minutes if you or
someone youre 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. |