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Recovery
After a Heart Attack: Discharge Day
After a Heart Attack: Discharge DayYou will be discharged from the hospital after your heart attack.Before you leave, you will be given discharge instructions from your healthcare team.Discharge instructions are specifically written for you and include a lot of information to help you heal while athome, such as information on the medicines you will be taking.It will also include information on how to be an active member in your own care team, whether that meanstaking care of an incision site or making lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, to reduce your risk of futureheart attacks.It’s very important to fully understand and follow your discharge instructions. If you don’t understandsomething, or have questions about your insurance, make sure to ask your healthcare provider.After you get home, and for the next few days, make sure to get plenty of rest and don’t push yourself toohard.It may take several weeks or even months before you can return to normal activity levels, so plan on beingpatient with yourself.If you are prescribed new medicines, it’s important to get all your prescriptions filled as soon as possible andcreate a plan to take your medicines as directed.A simple pill box is a great tool to help organize your medicines.And it can be helpful to fill out a medicine tracker, such as the one from the American Heart Association, aswell.Your discharge instructions might also include recommendations on lifting heavy objects and, if you hadsurgery, when you can shower again.Your healthcare provider may recommend you attend a Cardiac Rehabilitation program.Cardiac rehab is a program that includes supervised exercise, education for heart healthy living and counselingto reduce stress.“Physically and mentally. It gives you a little security blanket.”Talk with your healthcare provider for more information about Cardiac Rehab.Page 1 ofWhen you are home again, it’s not uncommon to have strong feelings about your heart attack. It’s normal tofeel anxious and sad. But be aware of depression.Look out for symptoms of depression such as: feelings of hopelessness or sadness that don’t go away; Harmfulthoughts; changes in sleep patterns; and changes in appetite.Reach out to your healthcare provider for help. Depression can be treated.Support groups can also be an excellent resource. Your healthcare team may be able to recommend localsupport groups or visit heart.org/supportnetwork to learn more.You should also learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of heart disease or another heart attack.This can include sharp pains, trouble breathing, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or pressure in the chest. Beaware of a return of your heart attack symptoms.If you think you may be experiencing another heart attack, call 911 immediately and take any emergencymedicine you have been prescribed.Your discharge instructions will also recommend ways you can lower your risk of a future heart attack.Talk to your healthcare provider about strategies to live a healthy lifestyle. You can make a big difference inyour overall health and heart disease risk when you make positive lifestyle changes.Finally, your healthcare provider will want to see you again 1 or 2 weeks after discharge.It’s a good idea to make your follow-up appointments early and always make sure to keep your appointments.Discharge day is a big day. You’re ready to go home and take control of your recovery. Before you aredischarged, make sure to ask your healthcare provider any questions you have.Once you’re home, follow your discharge plan closely: get plenty of rest, take your medicines, attend cardiacrehab, recognize your emotions, and know the symptoms of another heart attack.Give yourself plenty of time to heal.Page 2 ofThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
Heart & Vascular Center
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