Hospitalization This period of rehabilitation should begin with a heart attack or admission to the hospital for a heart attack and continue throughout your hospital stay. You will need a gradual rehabilitation program that begins with easy activities, including sitting in bed, joint movement and self-care such as shaving. This is followed by walking in the ward or hallway and limited stair climbing. Without these activities, your strength will quickly diminish. Early Recovery Between 2 and 12 weeks after discharge from the hospital, you will begin your next rehabilitation program. You can do this at a medical center or at home as recommended by your doctor’s nurse and other medical professionals. During early recovery, you can gradually increase your activity level under close supervision, and your rehabilitation team will give you advice on safe exercises to do at home, such as walking and calisthenics. You will also need to learn how to eat healthily, stop smoking, adjust mentally and reintegrate into society. Post-recovery is a process that begins about 6 to 12 weeks after hospitalization and usually lasts 3 to 6 months. During this time you can exercise under medical supervision and continue to receive health education and continued counseling on nutrition, lifestyle and weight control. Lifetime Maintenance You have learned to exercise properly and have begun a healthy diet and lifestyle, and you will have more autonomy in your life. You may no longer need to be medically supervised or monitored by a physician or nurse for your activities. Your task now is to maintain your current state of health for life and to receive regular follow-up visits from your rehabilitation team.