ACS: Getting back to everyday life
Emotional recovery
After the initial recovery from the episode of acute coronary syndrome it is very common for people to feel their attack has changed them. Some examples of how you might be affected are:
- Feelings such as sudden tiredness, feeling tense or scared, bad temper, butterflies, breathlessness and pounding heart are all symptoms of anxiety caused by stress. People often think they are experiencing symptoms of illness, when in fact it is just a reaction.
- Some people feel their role within the family has changed because they have to get better gradually, and they feel vulnerable during this time.
- The suddenness of the event can also make people afraid to do anything in case something else might happen.
- Some people become scared of being alone with their children in case they become ill in front of them.
- Some people don’t like to be dependent on other people even for a short time and especially when they have been previously fit and healthy.
- Worries about returning to work, finances and their future health can also take its toll.
- Many people are frustrated by the recovery time and ignore the advice altogether. They might overdo it in trying to prove they are invincible or back to normal or even pretend nothing has happened.
If you find it impossible to talk about how you feel, your fears and worries, you may seem to behave oddly or seem moody and irritable. This can leave family members confused and they won’t know how to be of best help to you. Learning to communicate with your family will help and is an important part of making a good recovery and getting your life back to normal. Be open and honest about what has happened to you.
Use the time you have at your disposal during your recovery to learn relaxation and make it part of your daily routine along with your exercise.
For more information visit "Emotional recovery following ACS".
Relaxation
Everybody needs to relax. It is a vital part of our lives. It loosens your shoulders and helps you to control your breathing.
Sometimes you have to make a real effort to relax and need some help. There are many different relaxation exercises and techniques to choose from. You can obtain relaxation tapes from your cardiac rehabilitation nurse or physiotherapist, or you can purchase some from bookshops, record stores and some hospital therapy departments.
Closing your eyes, concentrating on your breathing and listening to quiet music might help you, or taking up a class such as yoga or Tai Chi. For more ways to reduce stress, visit "Reducing stress".
Returning to work
Unless your doctor advises against it there is no reason why you shouldn’t be aiming to get back to work. Everyone is different as is their job, so don’t compare yourself with others. Depending on how severe your acute coronary syndrome is ,it may take a few weeks or a few months to get back to work. For more information, visit "Returning to work".
Driving
Returning to driving has to be safe for you and other road users.
There are sometimes complications after acute coronary syndrome such as angina and arrhythmias (disruption to the heart’s rhythm) which have to be stable and symptom free before driving can be resumed. This is why there are strict regulations that have to be adhered to and your doctor should be involved in discussing this with you before you drive again. This is obviously even more important if driving is part of your job.
For further information,visit "Driving following ACS".
Your Sex Life
Any health problem can affect your sex life. Having a problem with your heart is no different. For anyone who was previously sexually active this is an important issue.
Sex should be thought of as another form of exercise, no more stressful to the heart than other normal daily activity. It is usually safe to have sex if you can walk about 300 metres on the level comfortably, or climb two flights of stairs briskly without getting chest pain or becoming breathless. The advice is the same for both sexes.
For further information, visit "Sex following ACS".
Air Travel
Most airlines allow people to travel 10 days after a heart attack, as long as they do not have complications or symptoms, however, you may be advised not to travel until you are fully recovered. If you are uncertain about whether you are fit to travel, speak to your doctor or someone from the cardiac rehabilitation team. It may also be useful to contact the airline before you travel and always ensure you have adequate insurance cover.
If you suffer from stable angina with infrequent attacks you should be able to fly. If you can walk briskly for 100 metres on the flat without being breathless or in pain you can fly. It is safe to use your GTN spray in a pressurised cabin.
Plan ahead: You should arrive at the airport in plenty of time and avoid handling heavy luggage. Make sure you have sufficient medication to last your journey available in your hand luggage.
Protect yourself during the flight
- Encouraging the circulation and avoiding dehydration gives you the best protection against blood clots forming
- Mention your condition when you book and try and get plenty of legroom, this may mean checking in early. Avoid alcohol before and during the flight
- Drink plenty of fluids but not too much tea or coffee; carry your own bottle of water when you fly and take regular sips
- Wear light non-restrictive clothing when you travel
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- Stretch and move you feet and legs every half hour
- Your doctor may suggest you wear antiembolism stockings during the flight
- Your doctor might also suggest you take a low dose of aspirin before the flight but only do this with permission
- If you develop painful and swollen calves after a flight you should see a doctor as soon as possible
- Get up from your seat regularly for short walks
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The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) have a Travellers’ Health Line number for general enquiries 0906 8 224 100.
Information for family and friends
If a loved one has suffered a heart attack or an episode of ACS, you will understand better how they are feeling and why they react in certain ways if you can encourage them to talk about what has happened to them. However if they find it too difficult to go into, visit "ACS: Information for family and friends" for further information.
The information in this page has been adapted from the CHSS leaflet Heart Attack: A Guide to your Recovery.
Last updated: 29/10/2007