During the initial recovery period your heart views all activity as work. Slowly increase the level of your activities. If you get tired stop and rest.

Once you are home a balance of rest and activity should still be maintained to better allow your heart to heal. Activity should be increased very gradually week by week. An activity guideline will be reviewed with you by the physiotherapist prior to your discharge.

Some days you may be able to do more than others. This is normal. It is important that you listen to your body and rest more that day. Take this time to relax, read, etc. and try to get at least 8 hours at sleep per night.

Once your healing period is over (6-12 weeks), most people return to work and live as actively as they did before the attack.

The following guidelines give some general advice about activity which you may find helpful.

• Try to get six to eight hours of sleep every night during convalescence.
   
• Minimize activity after meals (ie. sit and watch T.V. or read the newspaper) because your heart is working hard during digestion.
   
• If you feel tired, stop and rest for a while regardless of the activity you are doing.
   
• Give yourself enough time for your activities so that you won't feel tense or rushed.
   
• Plan your day to achieve a balance between active periods and quiet times. Spread out more difficult tasks and alternate an easy task with a difficult one.
   
• Very hot or very cold weather makes your heart work harder. In the summer, plan outdoor activities in the cool of the day. During the winter, you may find it helpful to do your walking in enclosed places such as a shopping centre, or if outside, cover your nose and mouth with a scarf.
   
• You may resume light housework the first week you are at home (ie. helping with meals) and increase as tolerated. During early convalescence, sit for as many activities as possible (ie. ironing, food preparation and washing dishes).
   
• Always carry your "Nitro" with you!

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