Heart attacks are painful, scary, and deadly. If you or a loved one has survived one, it can be difficult to know where to go from here. A heart doctor can help you develop a care plan for your recovery and will monitor your health during this process. Here are a few steps to take at home to recover from this event. 

3 Ways to Recover After a Heart Attack 

1. Relax for a While

Heart attacks are dangerous and damaging, and your risk for a repeat increases after one. Because of this, a cardiologist will require you to relax for at least a few weeks. This means no strenuous activities or intense exercise. You’ll need to stay home from work for a few weeks or months, depending on the damage to the heart and the risk for further complications. A heart doctor will let you know when it’s safe to begin increasing your activity and workload. 

2. Develop a Healthier Lifestyle 

Certain lifestyle choices, including smoking and poor weight management, increase the risk for a heart attack. To help the recovery and reduce further risk, stop smoking immediately. Eating fruits, vegetables, and nuts can also reduce high cholesterol. Regular exercise, even just 30 minutes a day, can strengthen the heart. 

3. Know What Problematic Symptoms Look Like

Tell your heart doctor if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat, tightness in the limbs, or sudden fatigue. Even though you just experienced a heart attach, these are signs of complications that need immediate medical attention. 

For recovery following a heart attack, turn to DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA. Their practice has served the Bergen County, NJ, area for more than 20 years with interventional cardiology and cardiac care. Their compassionate staff will make you feel comfortable through all stages of recovery and monitor your health every step of the way, so you can feel better as quickly as possible. Call (201) 845-3535 to speak with a member of their team, or visit their website to learn more about their doctors.