Getting back to work after a heart attack

While having a heart attack can be life changing, it doesn’t mean your career has to come to end.

Heart care experts says that in most cases people who suffer a heart attack can make a successful return to the workforce.

A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, found that patients who believe they can still do their job and want to go back will make it happen.

Dr. Nishit Choksi, the director of cardiovascular services at Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital, says a number of factors such as depression, anxiety and a lack of confidence play a role in whether someone recovering from a heart attack can resume their career.

Dr. Choksi offers these tips how heart attack patients can get back on the job:

*Attend cardiac rehabilitation

*Take it gradually if needed: do fewer hours/days at the start

*Follow your doctor’s orders and take medications as prescribed and exercise and eat a healthy diet

*Reduce stress

According to the European Journal study, a patient's medical condition and the type of work they do can also have an impact on how aggressive patients can be in returning to taking on their normal workload.