There is good news for people who have had a heart attack. The worst is over, and soon you can do most of the things you used to do!  Now is a good time to make healthy changes in your lifestyle. Heart disease can get worse unless you take steps to get your heart in good shape.  After a heart attack, it's common to worry a lot.  Getting better and feeling good about yourself will take time.  It helps to do as your doctor says and to learn about keeping your heart healthy.  You may have many active years left to enjoy!

Are my feelings normal?

Most patients say they have bad feelings after a heart attack. These are normal and easy to understand.  It's a good idea to talk to someone about your feelings -- don't keep them inside.  In time, these bad feelings should go away.

Fear:

• of dying
• of chest pains
• that you can't have sex
• that you can't go to work

Anger:

• that it happened to you
• at family and friends

Depression, such as thinking:

• "life is over"
• you might not be the same again
• others might think you are weak

How will my family feel?

People who are close to you will also "feel" your heart attack. Instead of keeping bad feelings in, you should all talk about them.  Family members may feel:

• Frightened to see you in the hospital
• Angry that the heart attack came at a bad time.
• Guildy because they thing they "caused" it, even if they know it's not possible.

What changes should I make?

• If you smoke, quit.
• Exercise on a regular basis
• Control high blood pressure
• Eat healthy, low-fat meals and lose weight if you need to.
• Take your medicine.

What about sex?

• Check with your doctor first, but you should be able to have sex the way you did before.  You should be ready when you're able to walk around easily.
• If you have chest pain during sex, have lost interest, or are worried about having sex, talk with your doctor.

When can I go back to work?

• Most people go back to work in 1 to 3 months.  Your doctor may have you take tests to find out if you can do the kind of work you did before.
• Some people change jobs to make it easier on their heart. 

1994, American Heart Association