Heart Attack: Getting Back Into Your Life After a Heart
Attack
How soon can I get back into my regular
activities?
Most people can return to work
and the activities they enjoy within a few months of having a
heart attack. Others may have to limit their activity if the
heart muscle is very weak. The amount of activity you can do
will be based on the condition of your heart. Your doctor will
work with you to develop a recovery plan.
You will need to start slowly.
For the first few days after your heart attack, you may need
to rest and let your heart heal. As your heart heals, you'll
be ready to start moving around again. A few days after your
heart attack, your doctor may want you to move around more.
You may do stretching exercises and get up and walk. You'll
then slowly become more active based on advice from your
doctor.
Once you've gotten through the
early period after a heart attack, your doctor may talk to you
about how to be active within your limits. Your doctor will
probably want you to do an exercise test, also called a stress
test. During this test, your doctor will ask you to exercise
(usually walking on a treadmill) while he or she monitors your
heart. Based on the results, your doctor will develop an
exercise plan for you.
Your doctor may also recommend
that you get involved in a rehabilitation program.
Rehabilitation programs are supervised by exercise
specialists. Many hospitals sponsor these to get people
started with a safe level of exercise after a heart attack.
After a while, you'll probably be able to exercise on your
own. But if you have any of the symptoms listed in the
box below, call your doctor. You may be working too
hard.
Why is exercise so important?
Exercise strengthens
your heart muscle. It can also help you feel more energetic,
help you feel more in control of your health and help you lose
weight and keep it off. Exercise may also lower your blood
pressure and reduce your cholesterol level.
What kind of exercise is good?
The best types of exercise are
those that involve your whole body, such as walking, cycling,
jogging, cross-country skiing or swimming. Your doctor or
rehabilitation therapists may also prescribe activities to
increase your strength and flexibility.
How often should I exercise?
This depends on your
exercise plan. You'll probably start slowly and gradually add
to how much you do. Your doctor may want you to exercise 3 or
4 times a week for about 10 to 30 minutes at a time. Be sure
to warm up before exercising by stretching for 5 minutes or
more.
What can I do to speed my recovery and
stay healthy?
Your doctor will probably
recommend that you make some changes in your diet, such as
cutting back on fat and cholesterol and watching how much salt
you eat. If you smoke, you will have to quit. Your doctor may
also suggest that you learn better ways to deal with stress,
such as relaxation training and deep breathing.
When can I go back to work?
Most people go back to work
within 1 to 3 months after having a heart attack. The amount
of time you are off from work depends on the condition of your
heart and how strenuous your work is. You may have to make
some changes in how you do your job or you may have to change
jobs, at least for a short time, if your job is too hard on
your heart.
What
about sex?
You can probably start having sex
again in 3 to 4 weeks after your heart attack. As with other
types of activity, you may need to start out slowly and work
your way back into your normal patterns.
Don't be afraid of sex because of
your heart attack. Try different positions if one position
seems to make you uncomfortable. Let your partner be on top to
reduce the amount of energy you use during sex. Talk with your
doctor if you or your partner have any concerns.
