Work:
Expect to return to work in 6-8 weeks. It is a good idea to return gradually starting out part-time and gradually increasing the hours. It may help to discuss with your employer, the consultant and the cardiac rehabilitation team what will be the most appropriate for you.
Driving:
You may resume driving after four weeks if you have an ordinary licence. Those with specialised licences may need to undergo further tests to ensure they are fit to drive. Remember that driving is a stressful activity, so try to stay calm!
Sex:
It is understandable to be nervous about resuming sexual activity. Sexual activity increases the heart rate and blood pressure, which increases the amount of work the heart, has to do. In some people this can lead to breathlessness and chest pain. However, if you are able to walk 300 yards or climb two flights of stairs with no chest pain or breathlessness then it is safe to resume sexual activity two to three weeks after the heart attack.
Alcohol:
During the first few weeks after your heart attack it is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink, and be aware that it may affect any sleeping tablets you are taking. If you are on anti-coagulation tablets such as warfarin it is particularly important not to binge drink as this will impact on how the drug is processed by your system. In the long term you may wish to resume moderate alcohol consumption. Further information regarding this is provided in the diet section of this leaflet.
