PLAVIX (clopidogrel bisulfate)
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Coping With Heart Attack or Stroke Recovery

Coping With Recovery

Many people experience mood swings or feel sad, frustrated, or depressed because of their medical conditions. It's understandable if you do, too. These feelings may be a result of the limitations caused by having a serious medical condition, such as heart-related chest pain (unstable angina), heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.).

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

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

Some evidence suggests that how you think about your illness may have an important effect on your heart attack or stroke recovery. One study of patients who were recovering from a first heart attack showed that their perceptions and beliefs about their condition influenced the speed at which they returned to work and how well they functioned socially and at home.

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Here are some activities that may help your outlook:

  • 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 or stroke recovery talk to your doctor before starting or changing your level of physical activity.

Here are some tips that may help you cope:

  1. Walking is an activity that will help give you more energy, help you relax, and help control your appetite.
  2. Think 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. Find ways to manage your stress through positive thinking, physical activity, nutrition, social support, and relaxation.
  4. During heart attack or stroke 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 is a prescription medicine recommended for people who have suffered from a recent stroke or recent heart attack or have been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease, or P.A.D. (poor circulation in the legs).*

Always talk to your doctor before taking aspirin or other medicines with PLAVIX, especially if you?ve had a stroke.

*PLAVIX is not indicated for the treatment of symptoms of P.A.D.

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