Heart Attack: Back at Home

Once you are home, your goal for the first week or so is to take it easy. You can then slowly return to regular activities. It may take about 1-2 weeks to get back to your normal routine.

To ease the transition, allow yourself to rely on family and friends for support, and be easy on yourself.

Let friends and family support you

• Do not try to do it all alone. Ask family or friends for help. They may be glad to do something to show their concern.

For instance:

• Let others help with chores, such as washing dishes, preparing meals or buying groceries.
• Ask a family member or friend to join you in relaxing activities, such as playing games or watching movies.
• Invite a family member or friend on your appointments.

Be easy on yourself

• As you begin your recovery, do not push yourself too hard. Remember, you are healing physically and emotionally.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
• Avoid activities that may cause chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Avoid overexertion after a heavy meal.
• If you are feeling down, do not be hard on yourself. Take your recovery one day at a time and take things slowly. Get up each morning and get dressed. It will get easier with time.
• Partake in activities that are easy but get you slowly back into your routine.
• Talk to someone every day.

For family and friends

Help your loved one ease into recovery:

• Offer to drive him/her to medical appointments.
• Help him/her remember to take medicines.
• Encourage him/her to slowly be more independent.
• Spend time relaxing with him/her. You do not have to just sit around. Try going for a walk.
• Spend time discussing other matters outside of health.

Heart Attack: Back at Home

Once you are home, your goal for the first week or so is to take it easy. You can then slowly return to regular activities. It may take about 1-2 weeks to get back to your normal routine.

To ease the transition, allow yourself to rely on family and friends for support, and be easy on yourself.

Let friends and family support you

• Do not try to do it all alone. Ask family or friends for help. They may be glad to do something to show their concern.

For instance:

• Let others help with chores, such as washing dishes, preparing meals or buying groceries.
• Ask a family member or friend to join you in relaxing activities, such as playing games or watching movies.
• Invite a family member or friend on your appointments.

Be easy on yourself

• As you begin your recovery, do not push yourself too hard. Remember, you are healing physically and emotionally.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
• Avoid activities that may cause chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Avoid overexertion after a heavy meal.
• If you are feeling down, do not be hard on yourself. Take your recovery one day at a time and take things slowly. Get up each morning and get dressed. It will get easier with time.
• Partake in activities that are easy but get you slowly back into your routine.
• Talk to someone every day.

For family and friends

Help your loved one ease into recovery:

• Offer to drive him/her to medical appointments.
• Help him/her remember to take medicines.
• Encourage him/her to slowly be more independent.
• Spend time relaxing with him/her. You do not have to just sit around. Try going for a walk.
• Spend time discussing other matters outside of health.

Heart Attack: Back at Home

Once you are home, your goal for the first week or so is to take it easy. You can then slowly return to regular activities. It may take about 1-2 weeks to get back to your normal routine.

To ease the transition, allow yourself to rely on family and friends for support, and be easy on yourself.

Let friends and family support you

• Do not try to do it all alone. Ask family or friends for help. They may be glad to do something to show their concern.

For instance:

• Let others help with chores, such as washing dishes, preparing meals or buying groceries.
• Ask a family member or friend to join you in relaxing activities, such as playing games or watching movies.
• Invite a family member or friend on your appointments.

Be easy on yourself

• As you begin your recovery, do not push yourself too hard. Remember, you are healing physically and emotionally.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
• Avoid activities that may cause chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Avoid overexertion after a heavy meal.
• If you are feeling down, do not be hard on yourself. Take your recovery one day at a time and take things slowly. Get up each morning and get dressed. It will get easier with time.
• Partake in activities that are easy but get you slowly back into your routine.
• Talk to someone every day.

For family and friends

Help your loved one ease into recovery:

• Offer to drive him/her to medical appointments.
• Help him/her remember to take medicines.
• Encourage him/her to slowly be more independent.
• Spend time relaxing with him/her. You do not have to just sit around. Try going for a walk.
• Spend time discussing other matters outside of health.