If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

If you have had a heart attack, you may feel worried and overwhelmed. You probably have a lot of questions.  There are many things to consider, starting with taking care of yourself. Look to those around you for help during this time. Talk to your healthcare provider for specific advice or if you have any concerns.

Path to Improved Health

How soon can I return to my regular activities?

After a heart attack, you will want to go back to your regular 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 condition of your heart. Start slowly to give your heart a chance to heal. Will tell you when you can be active again and what you should do.  Don’t return to any kind of exercise without contacting your healthcare provider first. It is also important to enroll in a cardiac rehabilitation program. This monitors your heart rate, the rhythm of your heart and your blood pressure as you exercise.

When can I go back to work?

The amount of time you are off from work will depend on the condition of your heart and how strenuous or stressful your work is. You may have to make some changes in how you do your job. If your job is too hard on your heart, you may have to change jobs, at least for a short time. Your healthcare provider can work with you on your return to work.

Can I have sex?

Talk to your healthcare provider about when you can safely have sex again.  Most people can safely have sex 2 to 8 weeks after heart attack or heart surgery. As with other types of activity, you may need to start out slowly. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle

There are steps you can take to speed your recovery and to prevent future heart problems. These steps are called “secondary prevention.” First, talk to your healthcare provider to understand the type of heart disease you have. Your healthcare provider will explain your risk factors and tell you how to prevent more damage to your heart. The following are some basic tips for a heart‑healthy lifestyle.

• Stop smoking. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for heart disease. It damages the walls of the blood vessels, reduces your blood’s ability to carry oxygen to other organs (such as the heart) and causes blood to clot more easily. Nicotine also raises your blood pressure. If you smoke, ask your healthcare provider to help you make a plan to quit. In addition to not smoking, try to avoid second-hand smoke. You can inhale smoke from a burning cigarette or when someone else exhales smoke.
• Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure puts a strain on your heart and blood vessels. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to manage your blood pressure. This includes exercising, a diet that’s low in salt, and losing weight if you are overweight. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe one or more medicines to help control your blood pressure. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for all medicines.
• 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 your risk of heart disease. If your bad cholesterol is high, your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines to help lower it. You also should eat a heart-healthy diet and start an exercise program.
• Check for diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that has to do with your blood sugar levels. You can have Type 1 diabetes if your body doesn’t produce any insulin. You can have Type 2 diabetes if your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use it correctly. Diabetes increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting screened for diabetes. If you have diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider to develop a plan to manage your condition.
• Regular cardio exercise can make your heart stronger. Examples of include walking, jogging, running, bicycling and swimming. Exercise helps your heart pump blood and deliver oxygen to your body. It can lower your cholesterol level and blood pressure. It also helps relieves stress. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can also help you lose weight. If you are overweight, losing just 10% of your body weight can lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting or restarting exercise after a heart attack.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet. The food you eat affects how well your blood flows through your heart and arteries. A diet that is high in “bad” fats (saturated and trans fats) can cause buildup (plaque) in your arteries. Plaque slows or prevents the blood flow to your heart. It can block your arteries and cause a heart attack or heart failure. Add foods to your diet that are low in cholesterol and saturated fats. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Eat less red meat and more white meat and fish. Consume fewer high-fat dairy products. Cut down on salt (sodium) and sugar. Avoid fried and processed foods.

Control your stress level. Heart attacks can be scary and upsetting. Depression, and stress can increase your risk of heart disease.  Depression and other mood changes are common after a heart attack. Your healthcare provider may screen for this. If detected, they may offer treatments including counseling and medications as appropriate.

Things to Consider

If you have had a heart attack, you are at higher risk of another one. Seek emergency medical assistance if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain(angina)
• Tightness, pressure or pain in your arms, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness, weakness, or fainting
• Pale, sweaty skin
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Swelling or pain in your legs
• Sudden fatigue

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

Toll free 1-888-473-4636

http://www.heartandstroke.ca/