.jpeg)
Being a carer for a heart attack patient
Your role as a carer for a heart attack patient is an important one – explore some useful things to know.
Key takeaways
- Heart attacks can happen suddenly, and can be a huge shock for everybody.
- Both the patient and the carer need support.
- There are many simple strategies for care and self-care.
You can support your loved one by:
- Finding out the steps for recovery
- Going to appointments
- Supporting them during cardiac rehabilitation.
Recovery
It’s also important to get information on helping the person to live a healthy lifestyle. This will reduce their risk of further problems. You can also educate yourself on heart attack symptoms, so you know what to look out for if it happens again.
Emotional support
Learn more about managing emotions after a heart attack.
Be aware of your emotions too. It’s normal to have feelings of anger, frustration and sadness along with positive feelings, such as love, pride and gratitude. There’s help for you, too. Connecting with other heart patients and carers can really help.
Being a carer
Most carers have other responsibilities at home, at work or both. Getting the balance right can be hard. It’s easy for your caring role to take over and for other things to get neglected. Making plans and setting goals can be a good way to keep things under control.
Looking after yourself
Keep doing the activities you enjoy, and make your health a priority. Focus on ways to reduce your stress. Mindfulness, relaxation and breathing exercises are very helpful. If you start to feel anxious or depressed, talk to a friend, a family member, a doctor or counsellor. There’s help out there for you, too.
When you next see your GP, tell them that you’re a carer so they can keep an eye on your health, and if you’re working, let your employer know too.
Support services
It’s also a good idea to check that the person you’re caring for is getting all the financial support they’re entitled to. They can check to see if they’re eligible for benefits at Centrelink.
Helping a friend
You can:
- Try to understand how they’re feeling. They may be shocked, worried, overwhelmed, depressed or anxious. By understanding their emotions, you can offer support.
- Listen. Your friend may want to talk about their heart attack. Listen to their concerns, but don’t rush to give advice, even if it’s tempting.
- Educate yourself. They may feel overwhelmed by all the information they’re getting. Help them research their condition and treatment options, and help them put a list of questions together.
- Work on a recovery plan.
- Socialise. It’s easy to isolate yourself after a health scare. Set up a regular outing or event. Being around people who care really helps. Support groups are good for this too.
- Get active together. Exercise is a big part of recovery, and is a mood booster too. You could join a Heart Foundation Walking group.
Heart Health Check Toolkit
Heart Health Check Toolkit
Environment, climate change and heart health
Environment, climate change and heart health
Environment, climate change and heart health
Information on how air pollution, heatwaves and bushfires can impact heart health, and what you can do to look after yourself. ...
Heart Age Calculator
Heart Age Calculator
Heart Age Calculator
Could you be at risk of heart disease? Get your estimated heart age now....
Fundraise to save Australian hearts
Fundraise to save Australian hearts
Fundraise to save Australian hearts
Join our community of fundraisers who are committed to taking action to fight heart disease....
Prawn and avocado salad
Prawn and avocado salad
Italian recipes
Italian recipes
Italian recipes
Find heart healthy Italian recipes....
Clinical Guidelines
Clinical Guidelines
Clinical Guidelines
Full list of clinical guidlines and references for CVD, heart failure, ACS, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, SCAD and RHD...
10 ways to get the right balance of fats
10 ways to get the right balance of fats
10 ways to get the right balance of fats
Getting the right balance of fats in your diet can improve your heart health....
Heart stories
Heart stories
Heart stories
Stories of hope from Australian men and women fighting heart disease....
What is heart failure?
What is heart failure?
What is heart failure?
Heart failure is a condition where your heart isn’t pumping as well as it should be....
Beef Burgers
Beef Burgers
Beef Burgers
Cardiovascular disease risk factors and heart attack warning signs in women
Cardiovascular disease risk factors and heart attack warning signs in women
Cardiovascular disease risk factors and heart attack warning signs in women
Information for healthcare professionals and the public on cardiovascular disease risk factors and warning signs affecting women. ...
What is heart disease?
What is heart disease?
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is the broad term for conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart muscle. ...
What is atrial fibrillation?
What is atrial fibrillation?
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia where your heart beats irregularly and fast....
For Professionals: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples information and resources
For Professionals: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples information and resources
For Professionals: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples information and resources
Resources for providing best practice cardiovascular care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples....
Q&A with Professor Levon Khachigian
Q&A with Professor Levon Khachigian
Q&A with Professor Levon Khachigian
Developing a new medicine for inflammatory cardiovascular disease...
How a pacemaker at 34 saved my life
How a pacemaker at 34 saved my life
How a pacemaker at 34 saved my life
Kim shares the emotional and physical upheaval experienced on her journey to diagnosis and recovery....
WEBINAR | Navigating the latest updates on CVD prevention
WEBINAR | Navigating the latest updates on CVD prevention
Q&A with Dr Lewan Parker
Q&A with Dr Lewan Parker
Q&A with Dr Lewan Parker
Identifying microvascular dysfunction as a novel mechanism of poor health in heart failure patients....
Heart failure clinical resources
Heart failure clinical resources
Resources and clinical information for health professionals...
Sorting out your finances after a heart attack
Sorting out your finances after a heart attack
Sorting out your finances after a heart attack
Explore how to manage your financial concerns after a heart attack. ...
Heart procedures and devices
Heart procedures and devices
Heart procedures and devices
If you have a heart condition, your doctor may recommend different treatments, including procedures or devices. ...
Our strategy
Our strategy
Our strategy
Connecting Hearts Strategy 2021-2023...
Heart Bypass Surgery
Heart Bypass Surgery
Coronary bypass surgery is a common procedure that can dramatically improve the health of your heart. ...
Clinical resources: Coronary heart disease and mental health
Clinical resources: Coronary heart disease and mental health
The prevalence of depression is high in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD)....
Western Australian Cardiovascular Research Alliance
Western Australian Cardiovascular Research Alliance
Western Australian Cardiovascular Research Alliance
WACRA are the peak leadership body in Western Australian advancing research into heart, stroke and vascular disease to accelerate translation and improve health outcomes....
Vegetarian recipes
Vegetarian recipes
Vegetarian recipes
Search through our vegetarian recipes...
Pregnancy and heart disease
Pregnancy and heart disease
Information and resources for health professionals....
Remember a loved one with a tribute
Remember a loved one with a tribute
Remember a loved one with a tribute
Honour the life of a loved one with a donation to the Heart Foundation. Your donation offers hope for Australian hearts....