Having a partner who has experienced a heart attack can be difficult. It can affect not only the survivor but also their spouse or long-term partner.

After a heart attack, it is common to worry about the future, the next attack, and the changes that will come. It takes time to recover, and during that time and after, your relationship might change.

1. The Emotional Rollercoaster

A heart attack is not only a physical experience but also an emotional one. Both the survivor and their partner are likely to experience a range of emotions like shock, fear, anger, and depression.

The partner may feel helpless, scared, or worried, while the survivor might feel guilty for causing worry or not being able to contribute to the relationship.

2. Changes in Roles

After a heart attack, many survivors might not be able to do some of the tasks they used to do, such as household chores or working. This can also mean taking a leave of absence from work, costing both financial and emotional strain.

The spouse may end up taking on more responsibilities than before, which can cause exhaustion and burnout over time. It is necessary to discuss the changes in roles and find ways to share responsibilities to avoid burdening one person too much.

3. Changes in Lifestyle

One of the biggest challenges after a heart attack is lifestyle changes. The survivor might need to make significant changes in their diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle; this can disrupt routines and habits that both partners may have enjoyed.

The partner may worry about limiting options for fun activities while wanting to support the survivor in their health journey. Discussing the changes that both must make and finding ways to incorporate healthy habits into daily routines can help preserve the partnership.

4. Communication Difficulties

When experiencing a heart attack, vulnerability increases and becomes more apparent. Being vulnerable, both physically and emotionally, can make communication difficult between partners.

On one hand, survivors may not be able to express their needs, feelings and worries adequately or find it challenging to talk or listen to others. On the other hand, partners may struggle to understand their partner’s emotions when they have not experienced it themselves.

Couples can benefit from seeking counseling or finding support groups to talk through their emotions and build better communication skills.

5. Intimacy Struggles

Intimacy can be another area that is affected after a heart attack. It can be difficult to navigate physical changes related to the heart attack and energy levels, and the fear of causing additional harm, social views of health, and overall worry.

These changes can be discouraging and make it harder to initiate or keep the spark going. It’s essential to recognize intimacy changes as a shared struggle and find ways to connect emotionally and find enjoyable, low-risk activities.

6. Financial Struggles

The cost of heart attack treatment and care, added on top of everyday living expenses, can be significant. Couples may worry about what happens if one of them can’t work and support the household, leading to added pressure on their finances.

It’s a good idea to explore resources like financial counseling or support groups, as well as potential changes to help reduce costs.

7. Helping Your Partner

One of the most significant ways to support someone who has undergone a heart attack is to learn more about the experience.

Educating themselves about the psychological and physical effects of the heart attack can help partners understand the changes in their loved one and offer more compassionate care. It’s essential to remember that each recovery process is unique and tailor support to that person’s needs.

8. Take Care of Yourself

Being a caregiver can be a fulfilling role. At the same time, it can be emotionally and physically draining. It’s vital to prioritize self-care and seek out support for oneself during this period.

Take time to indulge in self-care activities and seek support from friends, family, or professionals so that you can maintain better support for your partner.

9. Seek Help

Remember that seeking help is not a weakness, and counseling or therapy can help navigate the emotional burdens and changes experienced after a heart attack.

It’s essential to recognize the distress and seek help when it starts to affect the relationship and one’s well-being. Couples counseling or attending support groups together can provide a safe zone to examine shared struggles and ways to cope and maintain intimacy.

10. Encouraging Positive Changes

Partners can encourage and foster positive changes for themselves and their partner. Making small lifestyle changes together, like incorporating healthy diets or activities, can help partners bond and support one another.

Encourage and notice the small milestones and enjoy spending quality time together.