That is a personal choice. I have been working hard over the last year and feel great. I was very close to death and what works for me when i don't feel like going to the gym or crave something unhealthy...... I think about being on the phone with the 911 operator and telling her I wasn't going to make it. I gave her messages to give to my children and fiancee. I never went through the post heart attack depression that many of us go through, i was just so suprised and grateful to have another chance. Heart Disease is reversable through diet and exercise and in the end, you feel better! Good luck my friend.

Priv. Good for you. You sound committed to making a difference. I think for many people they don't think they can stick with a healthy lifestyle and give up before they realize that they can live a long healthy life, even after a heart attack. A girl I was dating in High School (35 years ago) recently posted on facebook her dad was celebrating his 85th birthday. He had a heart attack the year we were dating.... that gives me hope!

@vailara: I understand that feeling, I really slowly progressed due to fear.I think whatever the doc tells you. The damage to our heart is different for everybody. I do always wear a heart monitor and the gym I go to has built in monitor that read the belt that I wear around my chest. The ultrasound showed the the blood flow was close to normal in my heart, even though i had damage, so i think I'm lucky. My carioligist says that I should be able to hold a conversation while doing cardio. If I am short of breath or can speak fairly normal I should slow down. I hope this helps. Good Luck!

it's been only 5 weeks for me since my attack and stent placed. I am working on eating different. Ideas on what works for you for eating the fruits and veggies daily as well as any recipes for meals? that would be great