Long-term implications will depend on you and your treatment for a heart attack; we recommend you speak to your GP or specialist about your recovery.

For example, if you underwent an angiogram there will be different recovery instructions than open-heart surgery.

Here are some of the suggested strategies to maximise your recovery from a Heart Attack:

• It is important to you attend appointments with your doctors so they can monitor your progress, discuss your medications, symptoms etc
• Develop an action plan in case you experience any symptoms or have concerns about your health
• Attend a cardiac rehabilitation program to learn about maximising your heart health and meet other survivors
• Discuss changes and additions to your medications with your pharmacist as well as your doctor
• Follow guidelines and information about how to manage your diet and lifestyle to keep your heart healthy and prevent further incident

Research suggests that attending a Secondary Prevention Program for managing Heart Diseases can decrease the chance of being admitted to hospital, reduce your complications as well increase survival rates.

One suggestion is cardiac rehabilitation, as these programs will teach you more about your disease, help you recover, empower you to make lifestyle changes to improve heart health as well as reduce your risk of further problems.

Click here to find your nearest cardiac rehabilitation program.

Your doctor may have recommended that you take some new medications if you have had a heart attack.

This could be an overwhelming time for you, especially as you learn all about your new medications as well as any considerations for taking them.

Apart from having a discussion with your doctor and pharmacist, NPS Medicinewise has some great information on medication management, medication disposal as well as risk factors.

They also have some great information about medications for your heart, which can be found here.

It’s not too late to start looking after your heart health, even after a Heart Attack.

Here are some great and easy everyday strategies you can do to look after your heart health:

• Don’t smoke, as quitting smoking can reduce your risk by 50% in one year. Quitline would be a great way to start your quitting smoking journey.
• Stay active, 30 minutes per day of exercise, such as walking, can reduce your risk by 30% and delivers many positive health benefits. More information about exercise as well as a sample walking session can be found here.
• Get some sleep, aim for 7-8 hours sleep and aim to try and unplug from your technology (e.g. iPad) one hour before bedtime. The Sleep Health Foundation has many great women’s focused sleep pages for all stages of your life such as your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, new mothers and menopause.
• Eat healthy: ensure you watch portion sizes, eat healthy and nourishing foods such as: high fibre foods (including oats and legumes), two pieces of fruit and seven serves of vegetables, reduced salt, three serves of fish per week, reducing saturated fats (such as chicken with skin on, baked goods, fried foods) whilst choosing more lean proteins such as tofu and trimmed meats. The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute have created some handy factsheets to help you choose the correct portions, supermarket shopping, healthy snacks, and eating out.
• Relax: try and take some time out for yourself, keep connected with friends and family, and perhaps try activities such as meditation to help manage your stress levels. Beyond Blue has a great page full of practical stress-relieving tips, and it could be worth trying some meditations from apps such as Smiling Mind, Headspace and Calm.

Yes, there are support groups out there for women and their families after having a heart attack or other type of cardiac event:

Heart Research Australia has an online forum for survivors of a cardiac event, which is perfect for survivors and their families who may be unsure or unable to join a face-to-face support group.

Heart Support is an Australian group that provides support for people that had a cardiac event. Furthermore, they have a cardiac rehabilitation program for survivors of a cardiac event.