How to take care of yourself after a heart attack

The American Heart Association (2016) recommends these five steps to give yourself the best chance at recovery from a heart attack.

Take any prescribed medication.
Follow the instructions of your doctor and take all medication as directed. Depending on the severity of heart damage and the underlying causes, you may be prescribed a range of medication. It is important to know what you are taking, what it does, how and when to take it, and any possible side effects.

Continue to see your doctor
Attend any follow-up appointments scheduled with your doctor so that they can monitor your progress. Your doctor will continue to assess the effectiveness of your treatment.

Complete cardiac rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program aimed at making your recovery successful.

Get support
Getting support from loved ones, health professionals and support groups can help reduce the emotional burden.

Change your lifestyle
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are major risk factors of having a heart attack. Quit smoking. Eat a healthy diet. Stay active.