By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

AFTER HEART ATTACK, RESUMPTION OF NORMAL ACTIVITIES IS THE RULE

Question: I recently suffered what my doctor said was a mild to moderate heart attack. What will my life be like after I recover from this frightening experience? How long will that take? Do people who have had a heart attack usually return to their old jobs? Thanks for answering my questions.

Answer: While I understand your describing this as a “frightening experience,” there is good news about the recovery phase that you are in now. As a general rule, with proper medical supervision, a person can usually resume most of his or her normal activities after suffering a heart attack. It may be necessary, of course, to lose weight, eat a healthier diet, or give up smoking, but those are important things to do for anybody who is not living a healthy lifestyle. I want to emphasize, though, that most heart attack patients can return to their jobs, social activities and family life.

It's important that you discuss questions such as when you can go back to work with your doctor. Tell him or her in detail exactly what you do at work. Explain any physical or emotional stress involved. For most jobs, you can probably go back within a few months of your heart attack. It usually takes six to eight weeks for scar tissue to form over your healing heart, and your doctor may give you the okay to return to work -- at least on a part-time basis -- toward the end of this time period.

During your first few days back at work, your doctor may instruct you to take your pulse at certain times during your workday, or may ask you to wear a monitor to determine how well you respond to on-the-job stress. Your physician also may suggest ways you can reduce stress at the workplace and put your rest breaks to good use.

A lot of physicians send their heart attack patients back to work on a gradual basis, first for just a few hours a day, increasing over the course of several months until they can work full time.

It's important that your boss be on your side. Brief him or her on your condition and explain any changes your doctor thinks might be necessary in your duties.

On the other hand, you may find your employer or your co-workers are afraid to give you back your original duties. They may treat you almost as an invalid. These people are clinging to an untrue stereotype that heart attacks always leave people feeble. If you encounter such people, your recovery and return to your old self will eventually change their perceptions.

Fortunately, most people today treat heart attack patients with compassion, without being condescending. Like a person with a broken leg, odds are that you'll soon be up and active again.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.