DISCHARGE AND AFTERCARE

Heart Attack: Leaving the Hospital

March 16, 2019

Heart Attack: Leaving the Hospital

Your recovery will continue at home. How long it takes to recover depends on several things. These include how much damage the heart attack caused, what complications occurred, and what treatments you had. When you leave the hospital, you’ll receive instructions on how to care for yourself at home. Be sure you have all the information you need.

Woman talking with a doctor before she leaves the hospital

Questions for your provider

Before you leave the hospital, make sure to know the answers to these questions:

  • When should I schedule my first follow-up appointment? How often are these appointments needed?

  • What medications do I need and how do I take them? When do I need to come back to have these checked on a re-adjusted, if necessary?

  • What further tests do I need?

  • What symptoms should I watch for? What are the signs and symptoms of a condition that requires immediate attention?

  • How soon can I start a cardiac rehab program?

  • When can I return to work? When can I drive? Be active? Have sex?

  • How can I get help managing payment for my medical care?

Joining a cardiac rehab program

Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) helps you recover after a heart attack. This program helps you learn how to make changes to improve your health and reduce your chances of having another heart attack. You might start an inpatient program while you’re in the hospital. If not, ask your health care provider about finding a program to join after you leave the hospital.

Updated:  

March 16, 2019

Reviewed By:  

Glenn Gandelman MD MPH