How to Deal With a Husband's Heart Attack

You just went through one of the scariest things you'll ever have to. Watching as your husband has a heart attack. You've been by his side while he's been in the hospital and now it's time to go home. His recovery has truly just begun.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your husband's doctor about the recovery plan. Find out what you need to do to help him get better. You want to be on the same page as the doctor, so you're working together and not against each other.

• 2

  Be patient and supportive of your husband. He just went through a very emotionally and physically tolling heart attack. He may not be a good sick person. Meaning, he will drive you crazy. Be a loving wife.

• 3

  Keep your husband calm and let him rest. The most important part of his recovery right after a heart attack is to relax and take it easy. It may take several weeks for him to return to his normal activities.

• 4

  Give him his medicine as instructed by the doctor. It may be an aspirin or another blood clot-preventing medicine.

• 5

  Make healthy meals for your husband. Have him help with the meal planning so he doesn't feel helpless. He will be on a new diet now.

• 6

  Get outside and do some activities as a family. After a few days the doctor will want him to get up and walk a little. Then, in a few weeks he'll build up to exercising. It makes it a lot easier if the family does it together. It's more fun to go bike riding or hiking than it is to sit on a stationary bike in the basement.

• 7

  Consider getting your husband into counseling. Having a heart attack is very emotional. Afterward, it's normal to feel helpless and depressed. Encourage your husband to talk about his feelings. If it continues for more than four weeks, talk to his doctor.