Before resuming full activity or work, several weeks are needed for the area of the heart attack to heal. After a small heart attack, which is measured by the size of heart muscle damage, patients can resume normal activities after two weeks. These activities include returning to work as well as normal sexual activity. A moderate heart attack requires limited, gradually increasing activity for four weeks, while a large heart attack results in a six week recovery period. These time frames are necessary for the dead heart muscle to substantially complete the scarring process.
Beta blockers antagonize the action of adrenaline and relieve stress to the heart muscles.
Stopping smoking, reducing weight and dietary fat, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, and a reduction of serum cholesterol, along with regular, carefully prescribed exercise can all improve the quality of life and longevity after a heart attack. Favorable stress testing results permit initiation of a program of cardiac rehabilitation. Greater public awareness and lifestyle changes have contributed to a dramatic reduction in the incidence of heart attacks over the last 4 decades. Improved blood-thinning agents, such as Hirudin and Hirulog, derived from leech proteins, are being tested to complement current therapies. Newer versions of t-PA are being developed to achieve a higher percentage of open arteries.