Recovery

Heart Attack: Your Recovery Plan

Choose a preferred language

You’ll work closely with your health care team to create a plan for recovery. This plan may include:

  • Tests to check how well your heart is healing.

  • Treatments, such as medicines or procedures, to help your heart work better.

  • Cardiac rehab (rehabilitation) to help make your heart healthier. Ask your health care provider for a referral.

  • Managing your risk factors. These are the things that put you at risk for another heart attack.

  • Frequent follow-ups with your provider.

  • Assessing your overall health and treating other medical conditions.

Health care provider talking to person in exam room.


Your role

You play the biggest role in your recovery plan. Only you can make the lifestyle changes needed to help prevent another heart attack.

  • Ask any questions you have and get the answers you need.

  • Ask for support following your plan, making changes, and learning new habits.

  • Know your options and take part in making treatment decisions.

  • Follow the plan you've agreed on with your health care provider. When you have questions, always ask.

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Find the right providers for your needs.

CalOptima Health works with thousands of Orange County providers, including doctors, specialists, health networks, medical groups and more.

Find a Doctor

Get Care Now

Your health is everything to us. Please reach out for support if you need it.

Get Care Now
Related Articles
Read article
Heart Health
Heart Attack: Having Sex Again

Tips to returning to sexual activity after heart attack.

Read article
Heart Health
Discharge Instructions: Taking Fast-Acting Nitroglycerin

Your health care provider prescribed nitroglycerin for you. Fast-acting nitroglycerin can stop an angina attack.

Read article
Heart Health
Discharge Instructions for Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting

During an angioplasty, a health care provider inflates a tiny balloon inside a blocked blood vessel to allow blood to flow. The provider may also insert a stent in the blocked vessel to help the vessel stay open. Read on to learn how to care for yourself after the procedure.

Read article
Heart Health
Discharge Instructions: Taking Long-Acting Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin relieves chest pain caused by a lack of blood to the heart (angina) by getting more oxygen-rich blood to your heart. Long-acting nitroglycerin helps prevent angina.