Aftercare for a heart attack

After you've had a heart attack, you will probably need to:

• Take prescribed medicines as directed to prevent another heart attack and strokes, which can lead to death.
• Improve your diet by avoiding fatty and fried foods, and eating too much red meat. Instead, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and have some low-fat dairy products.
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Become more active. Physical activities can help reduce the risk. However, formal exercise is only recommended approximately 6 weeks after your heart attack.
• You’ll need to attend cardiac rehab- a type of care in which doctors, nurses, and other health professionals work with you as you learn to do the things that can protect your heart. Cardiac rehab teaches you the best and safest way to become more active after you have had a heart attack. It can also teach you step-by-step how to improve your diet. Plus, cardiac rehab often offers counselling that can help you cope with your condition.
• You’ll need to avoid having sex during the first 2 weeks after a heart attack could lead to more heart trouble. Some experts suggest you wait at least 6 weeks. But most people can have a full sex life after having a heart attack.