You may not be doing each of these activities at this specific time. Everyone is different
- your activity level is geared to your condition, and whether you are having
any signs and symptoms.
|
Walk = 5 - 10 minutes
Take a few minutes to
go through checklist from the "Getting Started" section. |
Going outside
The day after you get home from the hospital is not too soon to go outside.
Going up and down stairs
You should be able to walk up and down stairs. You may have practised this before you left the hospital.
Cooking
If you do all the cooking, make meals that are easy to prepare. After you cook your meal, you may need to rest.
Housework
You can do light housework such as dusting and dishes. Do not do heavy housecleaning such as vacuuming or mopping.
Calling your family doctor
Call your family doctor to make an appointment, if this was not done before you left the hospital.
Riding in the car
You can go for short rides in the car with someone else driving. |
Walk = 10 - 15
minutes if no chest pain
Take a few minutes to
go through checklist from the "Getting Started" section. |
Shopping
Short trips to the grocery store or mall are fine at this time. Avoid big crowds and long trips because they can be tiring.
Sex
You may be afraid to have sex after your heart attack. This is a normal feeling. If you do not feel ready to have sex, touching and holding may make you feel good.
You use about the same amount of energy having sex as you would if you climb two flights of stairs without discomfort.
Start slowly in an position that feels comfortable. Sex will make your heart work harder, so stop and rest if you feel tired or have any pain. |
Walk = 15 - 20 minutes
Take a few minutes to
go through checklist from the "Getting Started" section. |
Driving a car
With your doctor's permission, you can start to drive a car at this time. You need to wait this long because you need to be well enough to manage in all driving situations. You may have to deal with an accident or a car breakdown.
Carrying groceries
You can carry light grocery bags at this time. Do not pack full bags of groceries. Take a few trips to take the groceries into your home. |
Walk = 30 minutes,
slow pace
Take a few minutes to
go through checklist from the "Getting Started" section. |
Travel
You can take long car trips or fly at this time. Talk with your doctor when you are planning to travel.
Exercise program
At this time you will be ready to plan a regular exercise program. Your doctor can help you plan an exercise program.
This is the time to ask your physician about participation in a Cardiac Rehab Program. |
|
Going back to work
You need to feel well and confident before you go back to work. How soon you can return to work and how much you are able to do will depend on how well your heart has recovered. Talk with your employer, your doctor or your social worker about going back to work. |
Can I Shovel Snow? Can I Mow The Lawn?
No. These activities are very hard and should not be done.
What Help Is Available When I Get Home?
There are many services available to help you while you are recovering from a heart attack.
Some services are:
- Community Care Access Centre (C.C.A.C.)
Phone: 345-7339
C.C.A.C. can arrange help that can include nursing, homemaking
services, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutrition counselling, and
access to social workers (can talk with you about financial concerns, returning
to work, dealing with stress, and family problems).
- Cardiac Education and Rehabilitation
Phone: (807) 684-6060
Fax: (807) 684-5919
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre offers group education
sessions for heart patients and their loved ones prior to discharge. Outpatient
education sessions are offered for all interested persons. The exercise
portion of the program requires a physician’s referral. Please speak
with Cardiac Rehab staff for more details.
Should I Feel Discomfort When Exercising? No. If
you have chest discomfort, feel dizzy, faint or weak while exercising; stop
and rest.
During exercise your heart will beat faster and you will breathe faster. Your
heart beat and breathing will slow down a few minutes after you stop exercising.
Sweating during exercise is normal.
Stop What You Are Doing, and Rest
|
If the pain does not go
away after a minute or
two of rest:
Take your first dose of
nitrglycerin. Spray or
place tablet under your
tongue.
If pain doesn't go
away for after five minutes,
take a second dose.
If your angina is still there
after five or more minutes
(total of 10 minutes), take
a third dose.
If your angina does not go
after 5 minutes after
the third dose (total of 15
minutes),
ACT QUICKLY - CALL 911
OR THE EMERGENCY
NUMBER IN YOUR AREA. |
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