When to Return to Work After a Heart Attack
Patients who’ve suffered a heart attack are often not advised to return to work and normal everyday activities any sooner than six to eight weeks. That’s to allow their damaged heart muscle to heal and for them to spend some time in a cardiac rehabilitation program. A recent study of 142 patients with a low risk of secondary heart attack found that some may be able to return to work in as little as two weeks without a greater risk of complications.
The study participants were randomized into two groups:
- A traditional regimen of cardiac rehabilitation and six weeks off of work
- An OK to return to work and other activities after two weeks with weekly calls from the study nurse and encouragement to exercise at home.
Both groups received counseling on medication, diet, exercise and other lifestyle issues.
When the study concluded, the risk of a repeat heart attack, the need for artery-clearing surgery, cholesterol levels, rates of smoking and exercise habits were similar between the two groups.
If you’re eager to return to regular living after a heart attack, you may be able to sooner than you think. And if you’re using the excuse of a heart attack to avoid exercise and other daily activities, please don’t. To have an enjoyable, active life, you’ve got to get yourself out there even after a scary experience like a heart attack.
NB: Get the manual shown in the picture above - Act in Time to Heart Attack Signs (pdf).
Reuters, May 4, 2006
Technorati Tags: heart, heart attack, heart disease, disease, health, cardiovascular disease, cvd, cardio
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POSTED IN: Heart Conditions, Hearty Healthcare, Hearty Info
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