Can You Have a Normal Life After Heart Attack Recovery?

Any kind of heart attack comes as a shock, causing significant unease and stress. You will be asking yourself if and how you will be able to continue your normal activities. It’s important to know that normal life after recovery from a heart attack is possible. Bear in mind, however, that mild heart attacks often serve as a warning sign to change your lifestyle.

Talk to your doctor to learn how to give yourself the best chance of a smooth and full recovery. A proven way to improve heart health is to reduce stress and take regular exercise. The heart and lungs function together and are mutually supportive. Aerobic exercise and physical therapy, combined with a healthy diet, can help you get back on track after heart attack.

Heart Attack Recovery – Manage Stress

Stress is well known as a killer because it tenses you up and burdens your mind and heart. Managing stress appropriately is a key step towards regaining your life after any setback such as a heart attack. Stress often leads to, or aggravates, depression and anxiety and can be a precursor to neurological disorders.

Great ways to manage stress after recovery from a heart attack are to take part in yoga, breathing exercises or Tai Chi. Low intensity stretching and breathing exercises can help calm down the constant whirl of your thoughts. Dwelling too much on your problems and worries causes stress, so be sure also to get out there and talk to people. Taking a walk in a park or getting close to nature in some way is another great stress reliever.

Managing stress may also involve lifestyle changes like engaging in more social activities. Taking part in enjoyable activities, especially physical activities, has benefits for heart health. Having a laugh as you share a meal, or listening to live music, are further great ways of managing stress.

Exercise

As mentioned, key to heart health and recovery from a heart attack is exercise. A regular activity program is crucial. You may need cardiac rehabilitation, which includes education, physical therapy. A physical therapist can recommend exercises suited to your particular circumstances. He or she will also ensure that the exercises you do are done safely. After recovering from a heart attack, you shouldn’t overdo things. A regular program of workouts will be designed to gradually build up your heart muscles to promote blood circulation.

How long does it take to recover from a heart attack?

A heart attack is a life-threatening condition and recovery times will depend on the severity of the heart attack. Other factors will be your age, your overall health condition, and the treatments received. Recovery can be anything from a few weeks to many months. If you have previously had one or more heart attacks, the recovery period could be longer.

This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.