Heart Attack Recovery Questions and Answers
Every year, many of the hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. who have a heart attack return to their normal lives. After a heart attack, you’ll have to make lifestyle changes and take medication to prevent another one and lead a full, productive life.
Your health care team will tell you which medications you need and recommend lifestyle changes.
View an animation of a heart attack(link opens in new window).
What treatments will I need?
If you’ve had a heart attack, treatments can include medications, lifestyle changes and sometimes surgery. Your health care team may also run tests to see how much your heart was damaged and how severe your coronary artery disease is.
How long will I need to rest after my heart attack?
Rest is important after a heart attack. But it’s also important to participate in recreation and social events and to make physical activity a part of your daily life. Health care professionals often advise that survivors get more physical activity than they got before their heart attack. A good night’s rest is also important. If you feel tired during the day, take a nap or take a short rest. You should rest before you get too tired. Your health care team will tell you what’s best for your specific situation.
When can I go back to work?
Talk to your health care professional about a safe schedule for returning to work. Most people return within two to three months. This can vary based on the type of work. People with physically demanding jobs may need longer.
Is it normal to feel depressed?
Heart attack survivors often feel many emotions, including depression, fear and anger. Your moods may change a lot. It can take a few weeks for negative feelings to improve. If depression affects your sleep, eating, self-esteem, or if you have suicidal thoughts, talk to your health care professional and loved ones. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Recovery is quicker with support from health care professionals, family and friends.
How will my family feel?
Your heart attack has likely affected your family emotionally. They may feel scared, angry, resentful or guilty. Teenagers, especially, may think they caused it. It’s important to talk openly about these feelings. If you think counseling would help, ask your health care team for a referral.
Is chest pain normal after a heart attack?
Not everyone with coronary heart disease has chest pain (angina pectoris or unstable angina). If you do, it should be light and go away quickly. It typically happens during or after physical work, strong emotions or a heavy meal. Lifestyle changes and taking certain medications can help. If you’re having ANY chest pains, tell your health care professional or call 911 and seek medical attention right away.
Why is cardiac rehabilitation important?
Joining a cardiac rehabilitation program is one of the best things you can do for yourself. These programs are medically supervised to help you improve your health and improve your lifestyle. They include exercise training, education and counseling to reduce stress. They usually take place at a hospital rehab center or an outpatient clinic. Your rehab team will create a program to fit your needs.
Learn more about cardiac rehabilitation.
Why are lifestyle changes important?
Making changes in your lifestyle is one of the most important things you can do to prevent another heart attack, heart disease and stroke.
Even if you’re taking medication, it’s still important to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle. Learn more about the lifestyle changes for heart attack prevention.
What about sex after a heart attack?
Most people can return to sexual activity after they recover from a heart attack, depending on the treatment received. Talk to your health care professional about the best time for you to return to sexual activity.
Learn more about sex and heart disease.
