What to expect the first 90 days after a heart attack

The first 90 days after a heart attack are an important time to address critical issues such as doctor visits, rehabilitation and recovery, and reevaluating daily habits. The risk for another heart event or stroke is higher during the first 90 days after a heart attack, so taking care of physical and mental health is key.

In this episode of House Calls: Real Docs, Real Talk, Dr. Eduardo Sanchez explains what happens when someone has a heart attack, the differences between heart attack and cardiac arrest, what to do in an emergency, and how to approach recovery in the first few months after a heart attack.

Watch House Calls: Real Docs, Real Talk for trustworthy information on managing health conditions and preventing heart disease and stroke. Hosted by Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, the chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association, each episode features science-backed information and practical advice to help you live a longer, healthier life.

[Pocketmouse]

Thank you for sharing this. I’m 36 & just suffered 2 heart attacks within hours and a coronary artery dissection on 12/12/2023. So I’m two weeks into recovery. This is all very new and scary to me.

[linkLoverAG]

My dad had a heart attack 4.5 days ago. My mom started CPR right away and within 10 minutes the paramedics showed up and shocked him enough for him to get a pulse. He apparently coded again as soon as he got to the ER. He had a quadruple bypass. It was a Stemi.

He has been taken off all other medications now, bp and heart rhythm are good, but they cant seem to get him off sedation or ventilation.

They try weaning him off and from whats described he gets "aggravated", his BP spikes, and they think he will injure himself. He cant breathe manually or follow commands while sedated. The nurses are hopeful because his BP spikes when he hears my moms voice and he still has motor function. They were saying at one point he was somewhat able to follow commands, but the doctors are less hopeful of if he does survive, will he have a quality of life.

Im scared we are going to lose him. The worst part is, Im not home. I was on a vacation at a convention in NYC when it happened and that morning started coming down with a minor cold that has been getting little by little worse through the week. I couldnt see him if I wanted to because he's at risk of pnemonia and infection. I feel like an awful daughter for not being there for my mom and dad, but I would feel more guilt if me being sick and visiting him or going home and my mom catching it and taking it back to him ended up being what kills him. I was told my best option is to stay put unless his situation changes. I feel lost and guilty. I just want him to be okay..

[TheRoadhammer]

Had 3 heart attacks in 1 hr on 10/18/23. Received a Stent, and blockage cleared, I had 100% blockage on the left side. Two cardiologist at the cardiac hospital in Chicago where I was taken both signed off on my return to work 4 days after the attacks. I am a long haul trucker, and I tarp, chain, strap loads, carry 150lb tarps up on to 13 foot high loads. Very strenuous work every day. Both cardiologists stated that "if we send you to another cardiologist and don't tell him you had a heart attack, he'd never know by reviewing the images of the heart". They said my heart is beautiful and can't see any damage. I left the hospital and immediately went to work, changing semi truck tires. I have never smoked, I don't do drugs, don't drink, and eat healthier than most

[kevinwebster]

All my life I’ve been told that a heart attack will always cause tightness and pain on the left side of the chest and down the left arm. Last night I had sudden pain in my right arm and I just figured I had a pinched nerve in my neck but the pain was getting pretty severe so I went to the emergency room. They asked me if I had pain in the chest or tightness. I didn’t. So they agreed it was a pinched nerve in the neck. They gave me pain killers and I went home. The pain subsided. But a few hours later my right arm exploded with the worst pain I have ever felt in my life and d I’ve even broken my back. Straight away I knew something wasn’t right so I called an ambulance. At the hospital they did an ecg scan and sure enough I was having a heart attack. I didn’t have tightness or pain in the chest. All I had was pain in the right arm. I had no idea that pain in the right arm could also mean a heart attack. I was discharged today and I’m tired but otherwise feeling good.

[endalebertaendu]

When i was 28 years heart attack was faced me, , , i didin't suspect that, ,also i don't know my hard blood pressure, , even the symptoms, , but right now, ,,, i already know which condition is make me harder for my heart, , , so i always protect my self from my previous life style, , , tbanks god about ur clue, ,,i am very healty now😊

[quacker]

Do cardiac rehab, buy a treadmill, change to a predominantly plant based diet, cut out salt and sugar as much as possible, get a sleep study to see if you have sleep apnea, get a dog, snuggle with loved ones, stop watching ‘the news, ’ enjoy everyday and cut out the killer - stress!

[Peanutbutter_ur]

I just had a heart attack a few days ago. Friday. Stent Saturday. Today is Wednesday. I don't smoke much, and I can't quit. I'm already suffering the depression and I think ptsd. I'm scared to breathe.

[thomasvincent]

Great Video. I very recently had a heart attack which required a stent being installed. The procedure went flawlessly. however, I came home from the hospital with what felt like a Monstrous chest cold. Hacking cough which produced phenomenal amounts of green goo. My question is: should I be concerned about flu like symptoms after a stent procedure or is this likely just a common cold?

[cubanhackr]

I had a STEMI on Sunday and had a stent placed. My question for anyone who might know is: Can I occasionally eat things like pizza or hamburgers? Also, my doctor said I can drive 72 hours after. Any advice would be appreciated! 😭

[smallhouseinthemeadow]

I am a 62 year old woman who has paroxsymal hypertension and hyponeutremia from Long covid, which caused me to have a heart attack(NSTEMI2)on July 6th, 2023. I recovered from it with cardiac rehab, but then had another heart attack a day after being exposed to Covid this past December 10th. The following day after a cardiac MRI, I was diagnosed with Myocarditis and pericardial effusion as well. Then the day after I was released from hospital, I came down with Covid and covid pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia. I finally feel like I can get out of bed a day after Christmas. My question is, being that I also had Myocarditis, and one should not excercise with that, when should I start to go to cardiac rehabilitation again? I am afraid to do the wrong thing. The first time I had an NSTEMI2, I had a pressure in my chest and left side of my neck, but this time, it was mostly a bad upper back ache and a little chest pressure, but both times, I just "knew" even though I have had hundreds of paroxysmal episodes where my bp goes as high as 230 over 115. Most of the time, it is a normal bp.

[coxy]

I'm 42 now, I had my first heart attack 3 weeks ago, 2 days before my birthday.
I've been told by the doctor that my artery is completely blocked and they can't put a stint in. They're treating me with meds.
I wake up every morning terrified I'm going to have another because I can't get a straight answer from my doctor.
Since Covid they're useless.

[lorisprague]

My 69-year old brother had a cardiac arrest on 12/20. He is doing well. In Cardiac rehab now. He just had his first Echo since cardiac arrest. Only showing 5% improvement. He was quite discouraged. Is this normal for 90 days out. Can he hope to see😮 this number improve more?

[vovo]

I had heart attack in Feb 22....I neglected the actually I consulted 2 physicians for shortness of breath and high blood pressure. But they simply prescribed asthma and bp medicine. I didn't had bp medicine bcoz I thought I may addicted to it. Ultimately I had heart attack and now I m heart failure patient with low ef

[leonstrand]

i waited 14 hours to go the the er because i didnt think i was having one, it did some damage to my heart im only 41