Heart attack patients are encouraged to get out of their hospital bed and perform simple physical activities, like sitting in a chair and reading, as soon as possible. Patients can perform more activities with every passing day. If there are no complications, normal activities, like going to work, can be resumed within 6 weeks.

Some hospitals offer cardiac rehabilitation programs that may continue in the months after the patient has returned home. The programs usually focus on three areas:

• Medications
• Emotional issues
• Lifestyle changes

Prevention and Healthy Lifestyle
Medication

• Aspirin is usually prescribed after a heart attack, as it prevents platelets from forming clots and reduces the risk of a second heart attack by 15-30%. People who haven't had a heart attack but who are over 50 and have two or more risk factors should take low-dose aspirin daily.
• Beta-blockers lighten the heart's workload by slowing the heartbeat.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors help to lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart.
• Lipid-lowering drugs lower the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Prevention is the best medicine for a heart attack. A "heart-healthy" lifestyle means:

• Quitting smoking
• Losing weight if you're overweight
• Eating a healthy diet with few saturated fats and no trans fats; more fruits, vegetables, and fiber; and moderate alcohol intake
• Exercising regularly (30-45 minutes, 3-5 times per week)
• Controlling diabetes and high blood pressure
• Managing stress

If you do make these changes, you're very likely to find that your whole quality of life improves. You'll probably sleep better, have more energy, and have a more positive outlook on life in general.

More on this topic

Understanding Heart Attacks (VIDEO)
Your Heart Needs Blood
Your Beating Heart
Atherosclerosis & Cholesterol
Angina & Coronary Heart Disease
Heart Attack Symptoms
What Is a Heart Attack?
Risk Factors & Diagnosis
Treating Heart Attacks
Restoring Blood Flow
Rehabilitation

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