Recovering from a heart attack

A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when one or more of the blood vessels (arteries) that supply the heart become partly or completely blocked. The area of heart muscle supplied by that artery can become permanently damaged. While you are still in hospital, it helps to plan your recovery together with the doctors, nurses and heart specialists looking after you.

Once you are admitted, your treating team will decide which treatments you need. These often include taking medicines regularly, and may also involve procedures such as angioplasty and stent implantation or bypass (coronary artery bypass graft) surgery.

How your treatment affects recovery#

The treatments you have will influence how your recovery unfolds. For example, surgery affects when you can safely return to activities such as driving or lifting heavier objects. Your medicines are aimed at lowering the chance of having another heart attack or other heart problems in the future.

Ask your health professionals both how and when you can return to your everyday activities.

Before and after you leave hospital#

Before you go home, make sure you have:

• a supply of your medicines, and a clear understanding of what each one is for and how and when to take it
• appointment times for any outpatient clinics, specialists, your doctor and other health professionals
• an action plan in case of a future medical emergency
• instructions on how to care for any wounds if you had surgery
• information about lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk of future heart problems
• a referral to a cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) program

Follow your plan once you are home: take your medicines exactly as prescribed and keep all your appointments.

After you leave hospital:

• See your doctor as often as they recommend. Take along your test results, treatment information and all the medicines you take so they can help you manage your long-term health.
• Care for your body. Follow your doctor’s instructions for wound care, and begin gentle physical activity once your doctor advises it is safe.
• Follow a heart-healthy eating pattern.
• If you smoke, stop. The most effective approach combines support with stop-smoking medicines such as nicotine replacement therapy.

Look after your mental health#

People who have had a heart attack are more likely than the general population to experience symptoms of depression. Speak with your doctor if you feel sad most of the time for more than two weeks. Support is available, and cardiac rehab can also help with stress and anxiety.

Returning to everyday activities#

Most people are keen to get back to normal life, so ask your doctor when you can resume your usual activities. Things to consider include:

• Travel. In the early days, make sure you have a seat on buses, trains or in cars. For air travel you may need a medical clearance form, so check with your doctor first.
• Driving. Ask your doctor when you can drive again, and check whether your heart attack affects your insurance or licence.
• Physical activity. With your doctor’s advice, start with gentle walking and slowly build up.
• Sex. Ask your doctor when this is safe. If you have had surgery, you may be advised to wait until your wound has healed.
• Work. Most people can return to work, though it may take a little longer after surgery. If your job is physical or stressful, ask whether you need lighter duties at first.

Cardiac rehabilitation#

Cardiac rehab is a program of support, exercise and education led by health professionals and tailored to strengthen your heart. It gives you information and advice to help you recover after a heart attack, surgery or procedure, and helps you make long-term lifestyle changes so you can live well and reduce the risk of another heart attack.

Attend cardiac rehab as soon as possible after you leave hospital. You should receive a referral, or you can ask your doctor for one. Cardiac rehab can help you to:

• manage your medicines
• manage other conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
• recognize the warning signs of a heart attack and know what to do in an emergency
• make healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating well, drinking less alcohol, being active and quitting smoking
• manage stress, anxiety and depression
• return to daily activities such as driving and working

It can be delivered in hospital, in a community center, in a clinic or at home, individually or in a group, and through an app, over the phone or by video call.

Key points#

• A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, which can permanently damage heart muscle.
• Make a recovery plan with your health professionals before you leave hospital, and take your medicines and keep appointments as advised.
• Look after your mental health, as depression is more common after a heart attack.
• Attend cardiac rehabilitation as soon as you can to support your recovery and lower the risk of another heart attack.

Where to get help#