Life After a Heart Attack

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Life After a Heart Attack

Posted: Feb. 1, 2006

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.
Participating 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.

Anxiety and depression after a heart attack
After a heart attack, many people worry about having another heart attack. They often feel depressed and may have trouble adjusting to a new lifestyle. You should discuss your feelings of anxiety or depression with your doctor. Your doctor can give you medicine for anxiety or depression, if needed. Spend time with family, friends, and even pets. Affection can make you feel better and less lonely. Most people do not continue to feel depressed after they have fully recovered.

When to seek medical attention
Having a heart attack increases your chances of having another one. Therefore, it is very important that you and your family know how and when to seek medical attention. Talk to your doctor about making an emergency action plan.

The plan should include:
• The signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
• Instructions for the prompt use of aspirin and nitroglycerin.
• How to access emergency medical services in your community.
• The location of the nearest hospital that offers 24-hour emergency heart care.

Many heart attack survivors also have chest pain or angina. The pain usually occurs after exertion and goes away in a few minutes when you rest or take your angina medicine (nitroglycerin) as directed. In a heart attack, the pain is usually more severe than angina, and it does not go away when you rest or take your angina medicine.

If in doubt whether your chest pain is angina or a heart attack, call 911.

Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

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