Life After a Heart Attack

Increasing physical activity can help improve your overall health, heart health, and quality of life.

If you’ve had a heart attack, your heart may be damaged. This could affect your heart’s rhythm, pumping action, and blood circulation. You also may be at risk for another heart attack or conditions such as stroke, kidney disorders, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

You can lower your chances of having future health problems following a heart attack with these steps:

• Physical Activity—Talk to your health care team about the things you do each day in your life and work. Your doctor may want you to limit work, travel, or sexual activity for some time after a heart attack.
• Lifestyle Changes—Eating a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and managing stress—in addition to taking prescribed medications—can help improve your heart health and quality of life. Ask your health care team about attending a program called cardiac rehabilitation to help you make these lifestyle changes.