Recovering from a Heart Attack

Summary

Explains what causes a heart attack and answers patients' most pressing questions about recovery. Describes what to expect during the hospital stay, including possible tests and procedures.

Details

This program answers some of the common questions you may have after your heart attack.

What caused the heart attack?

• heart is a muscle with it's own supply of blood for oxygen and nutrients
• blood supplied by coronary arteries
• may become narrowed by buildup up fatty deposits called plaque (atherosclerosis)
• if blood flow is cut off, heart muscle is damaged - this is a heart attack

What happened to me at the hospital?

• heart attack confirmed by symptoms, medical history, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood test
• thrombolytic drugs may be used to dissolve blod clots blocking the coronary artery
• other medications used to prevent clots, ease heart's workload, increase blood flow
• continuous monitoring for arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• based on your condition you'll be advised as to what you can do and any limitations you might have

What happens now?

• angiography (cardiac catheterization) may be used to determine extent of any blockages
• blockages may be treated with medication, angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery
• angioplasty - balloon is inflated inside vessel to compress plaque
• bypass surgery - a vessel from another part of the body is used to route blood flow around the blockage
• supervised walking program begins in hospital, exercise improves collateral circulation
• may have exercise ECG (stress test) before leaving hospital

Recovery at Home

• anger, fear and depression are normal after a heart attack
• these feelings should diminish as you recover, if not talk to your doctor

What if I have chest pain again?

angina pectoris, a feeling of squeezing or tightening in the chest, caused by diminished blood flow to the heart during exercise or stress

angina indiciates a narrowed artery, but it is not a heart attack

nitroglycerine is usually prescribed, always keep it with you

for angina, sit or lie down and place a nitro tablet under your tongue, if pain continues for 3-5 minutes, take a second tablet, after 3-5 more minutes take a third, if pain continues call 911 or go to the emergency room

Can the heart heal?

• damaged area turns to scar tissue
• over time, healthy muscle will compensate for the damage
• exercise will help improve heart's functioning
• gradually increase until you achieve recommended level of activity
• walk on level surfaces and avoid extremes in temperature
• cardiac rehabilitation programs
• pushing or lifting more than 15 pounds during recovery may be harmful

What can I do to prevent another heart attack?

• change eating habits (eat low fat foods)
• quit smoking
• control high blood pressure

Do I need to take medications?

• aspirin to prevent blood clots
• beta blockers ease heart's workload

What about sex?

• sex can usually be resumed shortly after going home
• be rested and relaxed
• wait one to three hours after a meal
• perform only usual activities with usual partner

When can I get back to my normal routine?

• exercise ECG after several weeks of recovery