Heart Attack Recovery Mistakes

ORLANDO, Fla. (KFSN) -- In the 1950's, weeks of bed rest was the standard of care after a heart attack. However, today that has completely changed. Here are details on what mistakes heart attack survivors and their families need to avoid during recovery.

Your heart may have stopped during a heart attack, but that doesn't mean your body has to afterwards.

Christine Adams, M.D., a cardiologist at Scripps Women Heart Center in San Diego, California, told Ivanhoe, "I think the biggest mistake people make is that they think their family member can't do anything at all."

Doctors recommend getting your body up and moving sooner during recovery.

"We encourage people to get active in a safe manner and we prescribe cardiac rehabilitation for everyone," said Dr. Adams.

Try a regular exercise routine for 30 minutes, three to five times a week. Another mistake is not making a follow up appointment with your doctor. Patients and doctors can check the progress of new medications and patients can ask questions about any lingering symptoms of the heart attack.

A good rule of thumb after a heart attack is to follow the ABC's of recovery. Avoid tobacco, be more active and choose good nutrition.

Also, it's completely normal to feel a variety of emotions after a heart attack, from anger and resentment to depression and anxiety. It's important to talk to your doctor or family and friends if these emotions interfere with sleeping, eating, or self-esteem.