Going home after a heart attack can be frightening not only for the patient but also to his loved ones. ContinuCare Home Health Inc. in San Antonio Texas will cover everything a patient can expect when returning home after a heart attack. We will talk about early recovery, activity, rehabilitation programs and many more in a four-part blog post.

On an average, the heart needs about two months to heal. The patient may feel weak and tired the first week of returning home because heart muscle had undergone damage from the cardiac arrest and also from the long bed rest the patient was subjected to in the hospital. During the first few weeks, it will be helpful for the patient to try to get dressed each morning and take care of all their personal hygiene such as bathing, shaving and dressing. It will be best if the patient will pace himself and spread any activities well throughout the day. He must make sure to rest and just schedule unfinished activities some other day the moment he feels tired. Unless the doctor opposes, climbing stairs at home is a good daily activity, but patients must make sure not to overdo it. Walking is also a good exercise and a good way to regain energy. Light household chores like folding clothes, cooking and washing dishes may slowly be added back as the patient feels stronger. The patient must make sure never to push or pull heavy objects unless the doctor allows such activities. The patient’s doctor or health care provider will advise the right time to return to work, drive a car and go when to go back to more vigorous activities.

The patient and his loved ones can remove uncertainty and unnecessary stress when they are informed about the heart disease and what they can and cannot do during this situation. If the patient feels like his emotions are not improving, keeping in touch with the doctor or his health care team is important. Aside from medications, the patient can benefit from counselling to help them through this very difficult time.