Life After a Heart Attack: Recovery, Challenges and All You Need to Know

A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is significantly reduced or blocked by a buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances. Recovery, including cardiac rehabilitation, can take anywhere from two weeks to several months, depending on individual circumstances. It is crucial to adopt lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of another cardiac event. The recovery process involves not only physical healing but also emotional support, making it a vital part of the journey towards better heart health.

World Heart Day is observed annually on September 29th to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and encourage heart-healthy living. This article explores how long heart attack recovery typically takes, what to expect during the process and the crucial role of family and friends in supporting recovery.

DURATION OF RECOVERY

The initial recovery of a patient happens in the hospital, where the doctors minutely observe them and assess the damage done to the heart. Depending on the severity of the attack, the doctors decide on the next course of action. After their discharge, the patients are under cardiac rehabilitation, a programme that includes supervised exercise sessions, nutritional guidance and mental health support. The initial day can be quite daunting, given the changes one has to make in one’s life to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM RECOVERY JOURNEY

In the long run, an individual who suffered a heart attack can expect significant changes in their activity level, emotions and sexual activity. In the weeks following a cardiac arrest, people can expect to have lower energy levels, feeling weak or fatigued all the time. However, it gradually gets better with exercise and proper diet.

On the other hand, heart attack survivors might feel depressed, angry or afraid, fearing another attack. It’s important to accept and acknowledge the feelings and seek help from professionals. Usually, these feelings go away with time. Meanwhile, heart attacks can also impact sexual life. How soon one can have sex depends on the severity of the attack and the rehabilitation programme. It is important to adjust to the new routine.

ROLE OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN RECOVERY

At times like these, people need emotional support more than anything else. Hence, family and friends become an integral part of the recovery process of heart attack survivors. The physical, mental and emotional demands of the rehabilitation journey can get overwhelming, and the support of near and dear ones can truly make a difference in their healing journey. Here’s what friends and family can do to ensure recovery:

• Encourage them to have a healthier lifestyle and quit alcohol and smoking cigarettes.
• Ask them to eat a balanced diet.
• Ensure that they exercise regularly, a crucial step in making a full recovery. You can also join in and exercise with them.
• You can help them by preparing food, doing household chores, or accompanying them to their medical appointments.
• Monitor their overall health at regular intervals to ensure that their recovery is on the right track.