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A "sudden" heart attack can be years in the making

Clots cause more than 90% of all heart attacks. See the full story

Recovery Guide

Download "Looking ahead"—your guide to recovery after a heart attack or heart-related chest pain.

Coping After a Heart Attack

 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Heart attack recovery can be much faster with a trusted support team of healthcare professionals, family, and friends. Typically, heart attack patients will feel a wide range of emotions for about two to six months after the event.

Here are some activities that may help your outlook during heart attack recovery:
  • Seek out friends or family members
  • Play with children/grandchildren
  • Call a friend
  • See a movie
  • Take a walk
  • Have dinner with a friend
  • Exercise (check with your doctor before you begin any exercise regimen!)
  • Participate in activities you enjoy, such as shopping, gardening, or reading

During heart attack recovery, talk to your doctor before starting or changing your level of physical activity.

Here are some tips that may help you cope during heart attack recovery:
  1. Walking is an activity that will help give you more energy, help you relax, and help control your appetite.Always ask your doctor before changing your physical activity.
  2. Find out about the additional health resources you could draw on, such as physical and occupational therapists, nutritionists, and dieticians. Call your local medical center or university, or ask your doctor for a referral.
  3. Look for ways to manage your stress through positive thinking, physical activity, nutrition, social support, and relaxation.
  4. During heart attack recovery, remember to take PLAVIX. Try taking it at the same time every day, such as at mealtime or bedtime.
 

What to do next: PLAVIX helps protect you from a future heart attack or stroke

PLAVIX is a prescription medicine recommended for people who have suffered from a recent heart attack or recent stroke or have been diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease, or P.A.D. (also known as poor circulation in the legs).

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Did You Know?

Heart medicines, as prescribed by your doctor, are an important part of heart attack recovery. But, lifestyle changes also play an important role.

Important Safety Information: Certain genetic factors and some medicines such as Prilosec reduce the effect of PLAVIX leaving you at greater risk for heart attack and stroke. Your doctor may use genetic tests to determine treatment. Don’t stop taking PLAVIX without talking to your doctor as your risk of heart attack or stroke may increase. People with stomach ulcers or conditions that cause bleeding should not use PLAVIX. Taking PLAVIX alone or with some other medicines, including aspirin, may increase bleeding risk, so tell your doctor when planning surgery. Tell your doctor all medicines you take, including aspirin, especially if you’ve had a stroke. If fever, unexplained weakness or confusion develops, tell your doctor promptly. These may be signs of TTP, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, reported sometimes less than 2 weeks after starting PLAVIX. Other rare but serious side effects may occur.

Click here for Full Prescribing Information Including Boxed Warning.

Remember, your doctor is the single best source of information regarding your health.
Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health or your medicine.

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The Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership does not review the information on this Web site and/or database for content, accuracy or completeness. Use of and access to this information is subject to the terms, limitations and conditions set by the Web site and/or database producer.

The Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership makes no representation as to the accuracy or any other aspect of the information contained on such Web site and/or database, nor does Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership necessarily endorse such Web site and/or database.

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