For more information on preventing heart attacks and controlling the risk factors, consult a health care provider. When recovering, it's a good idea to pace yourself. There may be days when you feel less energetic. Your physician will give you a timetable for activity, from walking to the mailbox, to doing light chores in a few weeks. Your physician can determine if you have made a full recovery, or if you require long-term drug treatment to reduce the strain on the heart, improve its efficiency, and prevent irregularities in its rhythm.
Most physicians believe certain changes can be made to reduce risks of further heart attacks.
These changes include avoiding sexual intercourse for about one month after the attack. Thereafter, patients need not hesitate to resume their sex life. Be sure to let your physician know of any increases in shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, swelling of the feet or ankles, fainting, very slow or rapid heartbeat, and any chest pain. For further information on recovery after a heart attack, consult a health care provider. The most common symptom of a heart attack is a pain in the center of the chest.