Path to better health
How soon can I return to my regular activities?
After a heart attack, you will want to get back to your normal life. This is especially true if you were in the hospital. However, that depends on your work, recreation, and sexual activity, as well as the state of your heart. Start slowly to give your heart a chance to heal. Your doctor will tell you when you can be active again and what you should do. Do not exercise without first consulting your doctor. Sign up for a cardiac rehabilitation program. This monitors your blood pressure, heart rate, and heartbeat while you exercise.
When can I go back to work?
The amount of time you are away from work varies. It depends on the health of your heart and how active and stressful your job is. You may have to make some changes to the way you do your work. Or if the work is too hard on your heart, you may have to change jobs, at least for a short time. Your family doctor can work with you when you return to work.
Is it okay to drive?
Most people who have a heart attack can return to driving after 1 week. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns or if you have other conditions that prevent you from driving safely. If you are a commercial driver, talk to your company before driving again. You may need clearance from your medical team before driving again.
Can I have sex?
After having a heart attack, you should wait 2 to 3 weeks before having sex again. As with other types of activity, you may have to start small.
Tips for a healthier lifestyle
There are steps you can take to recover from a heart attack and prevent another. This is known as “secondary prevention.” First, understand your type of heart disease. Your doctor will tell you the risk factors and how to prevent future damage to your heart. Then, follow the following tips for a healthy lifestyle.
- quit smoking. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for heart disease. Damages the walls of blood vessels. It can prevent blood and oxygen from reaching the heart and other organs. It can also cause blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks. Nicotine, the main chemical in tobacco, increases blood pressure. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about a plan to quit smoking. Also, avoid secondhand smoke. You can inhale smoke from a lit cigarette or when another person exhales smoke.
- Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure puts pressure on the heart and blood vessels. Talk to your doctor about ways to control your blood pressure. This includes exercise, a low-salt diet, and losing weight if you are overweight. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to control your blood pressure. It is important to follow your doctor’s orders for all medications.
- Control your cholesterol levels. There are two types of cholesterol. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are “good” for you. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are “bad” for you. Too much “bad” cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease. If you have had a heart attack, your doctor will prescribe medication to keep your cholesterol levels under control. You should also eat a heart-healthy diet and start an exercise program.
- Check for diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that has to do with blood sugar levels. You can have type 1 diabetes if your body does not produce insulin. You can have type 2 diabetes if your body doesn’t make enough insulin or use it correctly. Diabetes increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Talk to your doctor about getting screened for diabetes. If you have diabetes, they can help you create a plan to manage your condition.
- Regular cardiovascular exercise can strengthen your heart. Examples include walking, jogging, running, cycling, and swimming. Exercise helps your heart pump blood and supply oxygen to your body. It can reduce cholesterol level and blood pressure. It also helps relieve stress. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help you lose weight. Being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease. Losing just 10% of your body weight can reduce your risk. Talk to your doctor before starting or restarting exercise after a heart attack. He or she can monitor your activity and keep you on track.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet. The foods you eat affect your blood flow. A diet high in “bad” fats (saturated and trans fats) can cause buildup (plaque) in the arteries. Plaque slows or prevents blood flow to the heart. It can block arteries and cause a heart attack or heart failure. Add foods low in cholesterol and saturated fat to your diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Eat less red meat and more white meat and fish. Eat fewer high-fat dairy products. Reduce salt (sodium) and sugar intake. Avoid fried and processed foods.
- Control your stress level. Heart attacks can be frightening and disturbing. Ask your doctor for advice on how to deal with your emotions. Depression and stress can increase the risk of heart disease. Depression and other mood changes are common after a heart attack. Your family doctor can perform tests to detect this. If detected, they may offer treatments including counseling and medication as appropriate.
