The after effects of a heart attack can be significant. According to the American Heart Association, or AHA, a heart attack or myocardial infarction is a serious event, but many people do recover and live a full life. After a heart attack, it's important for a person to learn what happened to him, why it happened and how to best reduce the risk of future heart attacks. Healthy behavior modifications are one of the most significant changes required after a heart attack.
Decreased Heart Function
Decreased heart function is an after effect of a heart attack. According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, the after effects of a heart attack depend on how much, how long and where the coronary arteries were blocked. If the blockage affects a significant amount of heart or cardiac muscle, the heart's pumping capabilities will be adversely affected. If the blockage decreases blood flow to the heart's electrical system, heart rhythm may be altered.
During a heart attack, a portion of the heart muscle dies. Dead tissue, along with the scar tissue that inevitably forms in its place, lacks the ability to contract, which means there is less overall cardiac muscle to pump blood although the body's physiological demand for blood does not change. If a sufficient amount of heart muscle dies during the heart attack, a person's heart may be unable to deliver enough blood, oxygen and nutrients to the cells, tissues and organs, which can lead to a condition known as congestive heart failure.
Lifestyle Alterations
Lifestyle changes, both forced and voluntary, are an after effect of a heart attack. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, or NHLBI, states that the following lifestyle changes are necessary after a heart attack to avoid future cardiovascular events: quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, boosting physical activity levels and losing weight, if required. The NHLBI also notes that a heart attack survivor should work with his physician to create a safe schedule for him to return to his normal activities of daily living, or ADLs. Most heart attack survivors—assuming they don't have chest pain or discomfort or other complications—can often return to their ADLs within several weeks, and most can start walking immediately. Sexual activity typically is safe within a few weeks of the heart attack for most people. The NHLBI states that a person with post-heart attack complications should avoid driving until symptoms stabilize for several weeks.
Depression
Depression, fear and anxiety are common after effects of a heart attack. According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, people with post-heart attack depression have a two to three times greater likelihood of suffering another heart attack or dying prematurely relative to survivors who don't experience depression. Harvard Medical School also notes that the severity of post-heart attack depression varies between people, just like the effect of depression on the heart and recovery.
Pre-existing depression is thought to be a lower risk for follow-up heart attack than depression that arises after the cardiac event. The NHLBI states that some post-heart attack depression may be caused by the rapid transition to a new and very different lifestyle that's necessary to lower the risk of future attacks. Physical activity is a powerful antidote to post-heart attack depression, and can boost a person's quality of life and sense of well-being. A person should consult a doctor prior to engaging in strenuous activity after a heart attack.
