How Do I Recover After a Heart Attack?

Have you recently had a heart attack? Now is the best time to learn as much as you can about how to prevent another cardiac incident and improve your cardiovascular health during recovery.

Longwood Cardiac Rehabilitation & Recovery Center is a great place to start. Dr. Sepúlveda Sunez carefully crafts your plan for recovery after a heart attack or major cardiovascular surgery. Our advanced cardiac rehab program in Longwood, Florida, and your actions as a patient can put you on the road to stable heart health.

Risk of a second heart attack after the first 

Your risk of having another heart attack comes soon after having your first. A study of second heart attacks indicated that the greatest risk of a second heart attack is within just two weeks after a first heart attack — and 50% of people who are readmitted to the hospital for a second attack within 90 days of their first die during the next five years. 

You need the best plan to protect your health during this critical time. Our cardiac rehabilitation program can help.

Intensive cardiac rehab

At Longwood Cardiac Rehabilitation & Recovery Center, we specialize in Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab (ICR) to help your heart have the best recovery possible after a heart attack. It entails supervised exercise and targeted education about cardiac health. 

Your personalized recovery plan may include:

• Nutrition education for a heart-healthy diet
• A smoking cessation program
• Stress management and emotional support
• Routine patient monitoring using CardiaLine
• Customized exercises to strengthen, not strain, your heart
• Vestibular screening if you have dizziness or balance issues
• Strategies for long-term behavioral and lifestyle changes  

We also provide important support through a doctor referral program and transportation assistance to ensure your heart recovery is steady and strong.

Additional heart recovery tips

During recovery from a heart attack, it’s a good time to address other issues, such as comorbidities and bad habits.

Know your risk factors for a heart attack

If you have any of the following conditions, treating them can help you get and stay healthier and reduce your risk of a heart attack:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Metabolic syndrome
• Chronic kidney disease

If you're unsure about your family medical history, check with relatives to find out what major health issues run in the family. Work with your primary care provider to address any concerns to better protect your heart. 

Make heart-healthy lifestyle changes

Getting rid of bad habits and adopting good ones is another way to safeguard your heart. Take stock of your lifestyle to see what needs to change for better future heart health:

• Stop smoking and cut down on alcohol consumption
• Start exercising if you don’t already, and exercise more if you already do
• Commit to eating healthier, and remember that small changes are better than no changes
• Take your medications on time and with food if needed
• Lose weight if you need to; slowly and steadily is best

Make sure you have support during this critical time. If you don’t have family, lean on friends or join a group or club. Recovery from a heart attack can be a more positive experience with at least one buddy.

Are you looking for the best possible program for recovery after a heart attack? Call Longwood Cardiac Rehabilitation & Recovery Center at 321-317-3825 for an appointment or contact us online today.