After having a heart attack it is important to understand that life as you knew it is not over, but it does have to change a bit. Sticking to a diet and regular exercise regiment is tops on the important scale.
Diet:
Say goodbye to fried food. After a heart attack eating fried fatty foods is gambling with your life, but this does not mean that all your food has to be bland and boiled. In the last year I have lost over 50 LBS. my diet has consisted of low fat cheese, chicken, fish and the occasional steak. And I even treat myself to an ice coffee once or twice a week. There are many delicious recipes for healthy cooking.
Exercise:
Chances are if you have had a heart attack at an early age it is for 1 of 2 reasons. The first is a heart defect that was never diagnosed or you eat poorly and do not get regular exercise. Before going out and joining a gym that you will give up after a month start off slow. Start by talking a fast walk around your neighbor hood, then after a few weeks if you feel up to it you can go for a slow jog. After a month or 2 of this workout schedule if you are sticking to it and wish to take it up a notch you can join a gym.
Stress:
But just eating better and exercising is not enough. Stress can cause high blood pressure and hypertension that can also cause a heart attack. A great way to cut stress down is with an animal. Having a cat, dog or even some fish around the house can have a very calming effect on the body, and nothing beats that feeling of unconditional love when you have been out all day and to come home to a dog jumping all over the place with joy as to your return to the home. The great thing about a cat is that you can go away for a few days and not have to worry about them, but fish can be the most relaxing. The sounds of the water and the movements of the fish are very therapeutic and can relieve stress and lower blood pressure in just a matter of moments.
Hobbies:
Finding a hobby is important. A hobby is a source of enjoyment that gets you off the couch and doing something. Some people like to play with remote control cars and even race them in RC races against other RC enthusiasts and others like to do work around the house. I have always liked to do some home improvement work around my house. Now only does it improve my home and raise that value of the house, but after the job is completed I always get a sense of gratification from a job well done.
Having a heart attack does not mean your life is over it just means you have to reevaluate the way you are going to live that life.