Typical symptoms after a heart attack depend on the severity of heart damage. Some symptoms are associated with medications prescribed that might require some adjustments. To understand what symptoms to expect after a heart attack, it is important to discuss medication side effects with your doctor, and obtain complete knowledge of the severity of your heart attack and the amount of damage that has been sustained by the heart muscle.
Depression
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, major depression is common after a heart attack. Depression after a heart attack is also associated with increased mortality, and is reported in 1 out of 5 hospitalized patients. Symptoms of depression also contribute to poor quality of life. Signs of depression following a heart attack can include inability to perform daily activities, difficulty focusing, enjoying activities with others, irritability, frequent aches and pains, crying, fatigue, helplessness and thoughts of suicide. Symptoms that are severe require medical treatment. Some depression after a heart attack during the recovery period is considered normal and may resolve with time.
Fatigue
Symptoms of fatigue may be present after a heart attack. When the heart heals, a scar is formed, decreasing the pumping efficiency in the affected area. The resulting lack of blood flow to the vital organs produces fatigue. The amount of fatigue depends on the size and location of the scar.
Pericarditis
The sac that surrounds the heart is called the pericardium. After a heart attack, the sac can become inflamed (pericarditis) producing chest pain and other symptoms. The inflammation is believed to be related to an immune response from the body. Pericarditis after a heart attack can occur within 2 to 5 days, or as long as 11 weeks, after a heart attack. There is no known way to prevent pericarditis. Patients who have had open-heart surgery are more susceptible. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, dry cough, fast heart rate, fatigue and difficulty breathing.
Low Libido
After a heart attack, men especially might experience low libido. The reasons for lack of sexual desire might be related to depression, fear of having another heart attack, or as the result of medication side effects that interfere with erection. Sex should be avoided until your physician tells you it is safe, though the risk of having another heart attack during sex is low. Cardiac rehabilitation classes can help patients understand energy expenditure during sex and provide guidance about exercise and sexual activity levels.
