Heart attack recovery

Setting goals and priorities for your emotional and physical health will help you recover. 

Learn more about the first steps of recovery.

A heart attack is a life-changing experience. It's normal to feel sad, worried, angry, lonely or guilty afterwards. These emotions don't usually last long, but it’s good to keep track of how you’re feeling. Remember, it’s important to take care of both your emotional and physical health. Depression, anxiety and lack of social support can slow your recovery and increase your risk of more problems. 

Read more about taking care of your emotional health and use this action plan to manage your emotional health.

You should be able to return to your usual activities a few weeks after your heart attack or other heart problem. Talk to your doctor about starting different activities, like returning to work, travelling and driving, managing money and having sex.

Learn more about returning to normal life .

Healthy eating and drinking will help you recover and avoid more heart problems. Some simple changes can make a big difference. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about the diet that is best for you.

Discover healthy cooking methods and meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.
You can also use the nutrition action plan to help you.

Being more active every day will help you recover and lower your risk of more problems. Talk with your doctor or health professional about how to safely build up your activity.

Learn more about exercising after a heart attack and use the physical activity action plan to set goals.

Being a healthy weight is important for avoiding more heart problems.
Talk to your doctor about whether you need to lose weight.
If you do need to lose weight, plan to do it the healthy way. Change your eating habits, do more physical activity and sit less.

Learn how to maintain a healthy weight and set priorities with this action plan.

Quitting smoking is the most important way to lower your risk of more heart problems. Get help from your doctor or health professional.

Discover ways to quit smoking after a heart attack and use this action plan to help you quit.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a critical part of your recovery.  Your doctor and your cardiac rehabilitation team can help you plan your recovery. 

Find a cardiac rehabilitation centre near you.

It's important to manage other health issues you may have, like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Discover ways you can manage other health issues.

Use action plans to track your recovery and journey to a healthier heart. Work with your doctor and other health professionals to plan your recovery. 

Get started by taking action now.