If you’ve had a life-changing event like a heart attack it’s not surprising to feel scared, confused, and overwhelmed. You may feel better to know that research now fully supports the importance of participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program after a heart attack or bypass surgery.after a heart attack

Guidelines also recommend that patients with coronary heart disease do the following after a heart attack:

  • take all prescribed medications and do not make a change without consulting you care provider
  • stop smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke
  • get at least 30 minutes of exercise 5-7 days a week
  • adopt a heart healthy diet
  • limit or eliminate alcohol use
  • learn healthy techniques to reduce and/or manage stress
  • take steps to control your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and diabetes (if you have diabetes)
  • reduce weight if overweight, obese, or have a large waist
  • get an annual flu shot
  • take low-dose aspirin daily unless a physician prescribes a higher dose or recommends against it because of medical contraindications

BMH is proud to offer a nationally certified Cardiac Rehabilitation program that combines monitored exercise, education, and support to patients who have had a heart attack, stent, coronary bypass, heart valve replacement, or stable angina.

For more information about our program please visit us on the Cardiac Rehabilitation page.

And to learn more about staying health after a heart attack, visit The American Heart Association.