Dismiss Modal

Recovery

Heart Attack: Your Recovery Plan

Choose a preferred language

You’ll work closely with your health care team to create a plan for recovery. This plan may include:

  • Tests to check how well your heart is healing.

  • Treatments, such as medicines or procedures, to help your heart work better.

  • Cardiac rehab (rehabilitation) to help make your heart healthier. Ask your health care provider for a referral.

  • Managing your risk factors. These are the things that put you at risk for another heart attack.

  • Frequent follow-ups with your provider.

  • Assessing your overall health and treating other medical conditions.

Health care provider talking to person in exam room.


Your role

You play the biggest role in your recovery plan. Only you can make the lifestyle changes needed to help prevent another heart attack.

  • Ask any questions you have and get the answers you need.

  • Ask for support following your plan, making changes, and learning new habits.

  • Know your options and take part in making treatment decisions.

  • Follow the plan you've agreed on with your health care provider. When you have questions, always ask.

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Articles
Read article
Heart Health
Taking Blood Thinners After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

After PCI, you'll need to take blood thinners to prevent blood clots.

Read article
Heart Health
Heart Attack: Leaving the Hospital

If you had a heart attack, ask your health care provider these questions before you leave the hospital.

Read article
Heart Health
Discharge Instructions for Catheter Ablation

This catheter ablation procedure destroyed (ablated) a few of the cells in your heart that were causing your heart rhythm problem. During the procedure, a thin, flexible wire (called a catheter) was inserted into a blood vessel in your upper thigh and threaded up to the heart.

Read article
Heart Health
Discharge Instructions: Taking Calcium Channel Blockers

Your health care provider prescribed a medicine called a calcium channel blocker for you. Learn what this medicine does, how to take it, and when to call your provider.