Heart Attack Recovery FAQs

Are my feelings normal?

It is quite common to feel many emotions after a heart attack. They might include:

• Afraid of dying
• Fear of chest pains
• Worried that you can't have sex
• Concerned that you can't work
• Anger that this happened to you
• Frustration and upset with yourself for what you feel you might have done to contribute
• Even anger at your family or friends because they did not have a heart attack.

When can I go back to work?

Most people go back to work within 1 to 3 months after having a heart attack. The amount of time you are off from work depends on the condition of your heart and how strenuous your work is. You may have to make some changes in how you do your job or you may have to change jobs at least for a short time if your job is too hard on your heart.

What about sex?

You can probably start having sex again in 3 to 4 weeks after your heart attack. As with other types of activity, you may need to start out slowly and work your way back into your normal patterns.

Don't be afraid of sex because of your heart attack. Try different positions if one position seems to make you uncomfortable. Let your partner be on top to reduce the amount of energy you use during sex. Talk with your doctor if you or your partner has any concerns.

How soon can I get back into my regular activities?

Most people can return to work and the activities they enjoy within a few months of having a heart attack. Others may have to limit their activity if the heart muscle is very weak. The amount of activity you can do will be based on the condition of your heart. Your doctor will work with you to develop a recovery plan.

You will need to start slowly. For the first few days after your heart attack, you may need to rest and let your heart heal. As your heart heals, you'll be ready to start moving around again. A few days after your heart attack, your doctor may want you to move around more. You may do stretching exercises and get up and walk. You'll then slowly become more active based on advice from your doctor.

Once you've gotten through the early period after a heart attack, your doctor may talk to you about how to be active within your limits. Your doctor will probably want you to do an exercise test, also called a stress test. During this test, your doctor will ask you to exercise (usually walking on a treadmill) while he or she monitors your heart. Based on the results, your doctor will develop an exercise plan for you.

Your doctor may also recommend that you get involved in a rehabilitation program. Rehabilitation programs are supervised by exercise specialists. Many hospitals sponsor these to get people started with a safe level of exercise after a heart attack. After a while, you'll probably be able to exercise on your own. But you have any of the symptoms listed in the box below, call your doctor. You may be working too hard.