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Support after a heart attack

Many different thoughts may go through your head after a heart attack and you may be presented with complicated medical info. Know where to get support.

Key takeaways

It can feel scary and difficult to understand complicated medical information and treatments after a heart attack.
Cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) is one of the best things you can do to improve your heart health and improve your recovery.
Cardiac rehab programs offer individual advice, group education and supervised exercise.
There are many resources for further advice and support after a heart attack.

It’s normal to feel scared, confused and overwhelmed after a heart attack. After all, a heart attack is a life-changing event and navigating the road to recovery isn’t easy. Questions, confusion, uncertainty and even fear are common. It’s important to know you’re not alone and that there are many other people experiencing the same feelings as you.

It can be difficult to understand complicated medical information and treatments. It’s normal – even helpful – to have a lot of questions. Make sure to ask these questions to your doctor, so that you understand your treatment and recovery.

Attending special rehab – called cardiac rehabilitation – is one of the best things you can do to improve your heart health.

Cardiac rehab programs offer individual advice, group education, supervised exercise and:

Advice on your treatment and managing medication/s
Information about your heart condition
Support with getting back to your usual activities
Support to change your lifestyle, for example quit smoking
Education on warning signs of a heart attack and what to do in an emergency.

Programs can be offered in different ways and places. They can even be conveniently delivered over the phone, face-to-face, in a group, online, or in hospitals, clinics and community settings.

Cardiac rehab is very beneficial. It can:

Help you recover faster to get back to everyday life
Assist you to cope with what has happened
Aid you manage your heart health better
Reduce your chances of developing further heart problems in the future.

Your doctor, nurse or health worker will advise you to attend cardiac rehabilitation and provide a referral if needed. If you haven’t been referred, ask your doctor, nurse or health worker, or contact your local cardiac rehabilitation program.

It’s a good idea to book into a program soon as possible. Find a cardiac rehabilitation program now.

Find a program near you

There are many benefits to joining a support group. By joining a support group, you can meet others who have had a similar experience, share ideas, get advice and gain emotional support.

Being part of a support group can help you to feel less alone and more hopeful about your heart condition, and the future.

The Heart Foundation has several different support groups you can join.

Supporting Young Hearts program

For people aged 18 to 45 years who are living with a heart condition or recovering from heart surgery. The program aims to help young people connect with and support each other by sharing stories and learning about how to best manage their condition and keep their heart healthy.

Find out more about the Supporting Young Hearts program now.

Heart Foundation Walking

The Heart Foundation Walk groups offer many social and physical health benefits to people of all ages.

Discover more and find a Heart Foundation Walking group near you today.

Talk to your nurse, doctor or health worker or call Heart Foundation Helpline on 13 11 12 to find out more about the support that is available to your after your heart event.

Your doctor will advise you on how to manage your risk. It’s important to keep your heart healthy from now on, to avoid further problems. There are many resources for further advice and support after a heart attack.

Advice and support services

	NPS Medicines Line	Information about medicines, health conditions, and medical tests for health professionals and consumers. Phone: 1300 63 34 24
	Australia MedicAlert Foundation	A service for people with heart conditions, particularly those who are prescribed ongoing medicines. Medical ID bracelets and wristbands provide critical information in case of emergency. Phone: 1800 88 22 22
	Beyond Blue	Phone: 1300 22 46 36
	Diabetes Australia	Phone: 1300 13 65 88
	Kidney Health Australia	Phone: 1800 45 43 63
	Stroke Foundation	Phone: 1800 78 76 53
	Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres	Phone: 1800 05 22 22
	Accredited Practicing Dietitians
	Accredited Exercise Professionals
	Accredited Physiotherapists

If you have recently experienced a heart attack (link) or angina (link) event you can register for our free My Heart, My Life program. Friends and family who support you are also encouraged to register. The program offers free print resources, email and text journeys, webpage content and support calls from our qualified health professionals at the Heart Foundation Helpline 13 11 12.

Heart Foundation Helpline

Our Helpline provides convenient patient support services (by phone) after your heart attack. This can help:

Explain and educate you about your diagnosis and any procedures 
Explore any risk factors you may have 
Explain the warning signs of heart attack 
Help you find your local Cardiac Rehabilitation program  
Help you formulate questions to take to your doctor 
Talk to you about your medicines 
Refer you to a walking group  
Refer you to our nutrition and recipe pages.

Support after a heart attack

Many different thoughts may go through your head after a heart attack and you may be presented with complicated medical info. Know where to get support.

Key takeaways

Supporting Young Hearts program

Heart Foundation Walking

Advice and support services

Heart Foundation Helpline

Call 13 11 12 during business hours.

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