Heart Attack Recovery Time

Life changes once you have suffered a heart attack, it's the last thing anyone expects and dealing with the shock can be very tough for some people. Though it's often said that time heals all wounds and this analogy stands true to its very word, when it comes to recovering from the trauma of heart attacks. The overall heart attack recovery time, will depend a lot on the state of your health post the attack. It will have a lot to do with how your body and all the muscles are coping with the weakness. For the first two weeks you will be advised complete bed rest.

Recovery Chart
The average recovery time takes about 3 to 4 months at least, during which time your doctor will frame a recovery chart for you to follow. This chart usually consists of the permissible Metabolic Equivalents or METs which has different activities with MET levels allotted to them. These levels are numbered on the basis of the total energy needed to do those activities. The initial 4 weeks will require that you do not do activities that have MET's beyond 3.5. Activities that have a low MET include sitting on a chair, taking small walks, driving the car, showering and ironing the clothes.

The other essential requisite for a healthy recovery from heart attack would be to keep a check on your diet. A healthy diet would prevent high blood pressure as well as diabetes from aggravating. You will have to give up all high calorie foods, not consume sugar and control the overall salt intake. You will have to quit drinking alcohol and smoking as it will further aggravate your condition and make you more prone to future health problems.

Exercise is a Must
One of the other essential requisites of heart attack treatment is to begin small exercises as it speeds up the recovery time after a heart attack. There is a common myth among heart patients that exercising will make them more susceptible to heart attacks. Actually in reality, doctors ask recent patients of heart attacks to begin slow exercises within 2 weeks from the attack. This is because exercising makes the heart muscles stronger, as the muscles get to perform their actual functions again. They heart muscles pump oxygenated blood which purifies its arteries, a healthy exercise regimen keeps the arteries clear from blockage and cholesterol.

Your doctor will make you undergo a stress test wherein you will have to walk on a treadmill as well as do some basic body exercises. On the basis of your performance he will advice, what activities you must do and some you must refrain from trying. Your activities will progress as when there is improvement in your health. Though it is important to ensure that you do not exert yourself. Doctor's recommend that exercising 3-4 times a week will be more than sufficient for ensuring a speedy recovery and good health.

Safety while Exercising
Start will slow stretching exercises, so as to warm up the body. You must immediately stop exercising and call your doctor if any of these symptoms appear.

• Stop exercising immediately if you feel pain in your chest, arms, neck or upper back while exercising.
• Sudden palpitation of the heart or experiencing difficulty in breathing.
• Feeling nausea and dizziness.
• Swelling in any part of the body.

Nonetheless it will take 3-4 months for you to recover, after which you may resume going to work. Though it is advisable to take on less stressful jobs so that you do not exert yourself too much or feel tensed. If your job is too demanding, then you may need to change jobs and do something that will keep you stress free and happy. It is also important that you try and enroll into a cardiac rehabilitation program that will teach you how to lead a healthier lifestyle.