Heart Attack Recovery
Learn what to expect and how to improve your recovery after a heart attack with help from Adventist HealthCare.
Heart Attack Recovery Timeline
It may take several months to get well again after a heart attack. Follow your doctor’s orders during this time to protect your cardiovascular health. You’ll need to balance rest with activity and gradually increase your exercise.
If you have a job, your healthcare team may advise you to take a leave of absence. Ask your employer’s human resources department about your options for short-term disability or time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Your doctor’s office can fill out forms certifying that you qualify for these health benefits.
If you were a caregiver for loved ones before your heart attack, you’ll need to let someone else take over those duties so you can care for yourself. While you’re in the hospital, tell your nurse you’d like to talk to a social worker. This professional can refer you to local resources for your family.
Diet for Heart Attack Recovery
To improve your recovery, follow your doctor’s advice and resources from the American Heart Association’s criteria for a heart-healthy diet that include:
- Wide variety of fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains and products made up mostly of whole grains
- Healthy sources of protein (legumes, nuts, fish, low-fat or nonfat dairy, and lean, unprocessed meat and poultry)
- Liquid, non-tropical vegetable oils
- Whole foods and minimally processed foods
- Low-sugar foods
- Foods prepared with little or no salt
- Limited or preferably no alcohol intake
A dietitian can help you plan tasty, budget-friendly meals that follow these guidelines. Ask your doctor for a referral to this specialist for one-on-one nutrition counseling.
Home Healthcare
As you recover, let us bring attentive health services to you. Home care nurses, dietitians, physical therapists and other professionals visit you in the setting where you feel most comfortable. Staff can even help with light household chores, meal prep and rides to appointments, so you can focus on getting well. Research shows you may be less likely to visit the hospital again if you receive in-home care.
Rehab After a Heart Attack
Cardiac rehabilitation helps you safely regain strength, endurance and energy. In this 12-week program, you’ll enjoy supervised exercise tailored to your needs. You’ll also receive education and counseling from heart experts, so you learn how to improve your cardiovascular health at home. Join a support group to get advice and encouragement from people who know firsthand what you’ve experienced.
Taking Care of Yourself
Help your body heal by following these guidelines and any other rules your doctor orders:
- Don’t lift, push or pull more than 10 pounds or work with your arms over your head.
- Don’t strain to have a bowel movement. If you feel constipated, ask your healthcare team for advice.
- Don’t drive a car for four to six weeks if you had surgery.
- Rest often.
- Take warm showers, but avoid baths and hot water for four to six weeks to prevent dizziness.
- Wear support stockings if needed.
