After transfer to CCU, Naveed asks the nurse why he has sore ribs. The staff nurse explains that his heart stopped in the ambulance and he needed CPR and an electric shock to start it again. Naveed then looks really anxious and asks whether this will happen again and starts to cry. The nurse provides him with information about what causes heart attacks, what treatments are necessary and how Naveed can begin the process of getting back to normal.
She explains that it is a normal reaction after a cardiac event or procedure is to feel anxious and emotional and during further involvement with cardiac rehabilitation this will be explored and monitored as appropriate.
Naveed is monitored for the next 12 hrs and prescribed regular post MI drugs. He has an echocardiogram the following day which shows no significant damage to his heart. He is moved to another cardiac ward where he has more contact with other patients and begins to mobilise.
During this time he meets the cardiac rehabilitation team and learns more about his recovery and is ready for discharge a few days after this. Both he and his family have lots of questions about his heart attack and the cardiac rehabilitation nurse also gives him booklets to help them retain and understand all of the information he is given. The ward pharmacist reviews his medication and gives him more information regarding this.
Pulse point
Cardiac rehabilitation teams vary from area to area and the first follow up consultations may not happen in hospital. However the patient should always receive advise from ward staff and the multi-disciplinary team regarding their recovery and follow up plans. You can learn more about cardiac rehabilitation within Module 5.
Page last reviewed: 10 Jul 2020
