Your doctor may recommend that you attend a cardiac rehabilitation program during which healthcare professionals and physical therapists will work with you to develop healthy eating habits and start you on a graduated program of exercise. These programs also offer guidance about reducing your risk for another heart attack, such as smoking cessation, and lowering high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If your doctor does not recommend cardiac rehab, find out why and discuss whether this might be a good thing for you.
Sometimes cardiac rehab programs are geared for older men, so ask if any provisions are made for women your age. If you are working, scheduling may be a problem since many rehab programs are held during the morning. Also, check if your health insurance company will pay for cardiac rehab. (Most companies cover cardiac rehab after a heart attack or angioplasty).