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A heart attack is a life-changing experience, so it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed as you return to your normal routine during recovery. In particular, many patients find themselves apprehensive about going back to work. Yet, if your heart doctor has cleared you to return to your job, you may find your professional life brings a rewarding sense of purpose, helping you recover. Find some helpful tips for transitioning back into your daily role below.

5 Tips for Going Back to Work After a Heart Attack

1. Start Preparing at Home

As you get ready to go back to work, begin incorporating some activities into your routine at home to mimic your work life. Checking emails from your home office, taking regular lunch breaks, and waking up at the same time each day can ease you back into your work schedule. Just make sure any activities you perform, such as taking walks, have been allowed by your heart doctor. 

2. Check in With Your Employer

In the time leading up to your return, keep the lines of communication open with your employer. Workers with office jobs may be able to return sooner than people with manual occupations. If your job entails physical tasks, you might need to discuss a phased return or change in duties with your manager.

3. Assess Your Duties

Individuals who operate heavy machinery may be legally required to take an extended recovery before resuming their normal duties. If you operate planes, trucks, forklifts, or passenger vehicles, you might need to wait four weeks before receiving clearance for work from a heart doctor. It’s also a good idea to check with your insurance company, as they may have their own required wait period for driving after a heart attack or surgery.

4. Minimize Stress

Day-to-day stressors are an inevitable part of life, but during your recovery, it’s especially important to minimize stress-inducing situations. Whether it means leaving a little earlier for your commute, delegating responsibilities to direct reports or colleagues, or starting projects earlier to meet important deadlines, do what you can to avoid any work-related anxiety.

5. Consider Alternate Arrangements

heart doctorMany employers are becoming increasingly flexible to accommodate the health and family needs of their workforce. If you need more time at home to focus on your wellness and you’re financially able to consider alternate arrangements, you might discuss the possibility of a consulting role, work from home position, or part-time employment with your current employer or even a different company, if necessary.

 

If you’ve had a cardiac event or heart disease and are seeking an outstanding cardiologist to help oversee your heart health, turn to DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA, in Rochelle Park, NJ. As a compassionate and experienced professional, Dr. Leonard DiVagno is committed to providing tailored treatment plans and state-of-the-art services for each of his patients. Learn more about the heart doctor and his team’s areas of expertise online or call (201) 845-3535 to schedule an appointment.

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