Action plans
Every step counts. Even small ones can make a big difference to your recovery, so pick an action plan and get started.
- Make a plan to track your recovery and journey to a healthier heart.
- Identify what you are ready to do now to help to take the next steps
- You can use our interactive action plans or download and print them
- Share your progress with your healthcare team and always seek advice from your doctor before changing any medication.
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The Action plans
Select one of these action plans and make a start:
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Manage your symptoms
Make sure you have a plan so you can take action if you experience another heart attack.
Download the heart attack warning signs action plan.
Learn more about heart attacks and managing heart attack symptoms.
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Taking medicines
- Have you been prescribed the following medicines?
- statin
- ACE inhibitor
- aspirin
- Are you taking your medicines as directed?
- Does your doctor suggest taking these medicines indefinitely or for a limited time?
- Have you experienced any new symptoms since you started your medication that could be a side effect?
- Have you discussed any side effects or other concerns with your doctor?
Learn more about heart attack treatment and medicines.
- Have you been prescribed the following medicines?
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Planning your recovery
It's helpful to record information about your recovery, such as appointment times and locations, driving restrictions, and instructions for looking after your wounds.
Tips to help you plan the first steps of heart attack recovery.
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Which risk factors can I change to improve my health?
Your lifestyle can increase or reduce the risk of having another heart attack.
Think about how you can change your own lifestyle to reduce your risk of having a heart attack. Write down your risk factors and record the changes you will make.
Once you complete this step, use the risk factor action plans below to plan your recovery. Record your risk factor readings to help you keep track of your progress.
Think about how you will make a change to these current lifestyle risk factors:
- smoking
- being physically inactive
- having high cholesterol
- having high blood pressure
- being depressed, socially isolated and having a lack of social support
- sitting less often
- being overweight
- having diabetes
- unhealthy eating
- drinking more than the recommended amount of alcoholic drinks each day.
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Nutrition action plan
Eat more healthy foods and cut down on foods high in salt. Cut back on unhealthy fats, like saturated and trans fats, and replace them with healthier fats.
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Physical activity
Get back to doing everyday tasks step by step. Start slowly and gradually build up your activity.
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Healthy weight
If your health professionals say you need to loose weight, use this plan to guide you.
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Quit smoking action plan
Planning to quit smoking is an important part of your recovery.
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Diabetes action plan
Taking your diabetes medicines as prescribed to control your diabetes?
Get your diabetes under control.
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Blood pressure action plan
Talk to your doctor and take your medicines to help Keep your blood pressure at healthy levels.
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Cholesterol and triglycerides action plan
Triglycerides and cholesterol are fatty substances that circulate in your blood. Keeping these levels down can make a big difference.
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Alcohol action plan
Manage your alcohol intake by switching alcoholic drinks with low kilojoule drinks, like tap water, plain mineral water or diet soft drink.
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Psychological and social health action plan
Talk to your doctor and take care of your emotional health with this action plan.