Heart Attack Treatment (cont.)
How can a second heart attack be prevented?
- Take aspirin and beta-blockers (propranolol,
metoprolol, atenolol) that have been shown to reduce the chances of a second
heart attack and improve survival.
- Reduce excess weight, and exercise regularly.
- Control blood pressure and diabetes.
- Reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol.
Reduction of LDL cholesterol to a value below 100 mg/dl, particularly with the
statin group of medications, has been demonstrated to prevent further heart
attacks. Patients with low HDL (less than 35 mg/dl) are encouraged to exercise
regularly and to take medications to increase HDL. For more in-depth information
about cholesterol, LDL, and HDL, please see the
Cholesterol article.
- Take ACE inhibitors that aid the healing process and
improve long-term survival in selected patients, particularly those with major
damage to heart muscle.
- Take a daily multivitamin that has 400-800 microgram of folic acid. This
helps to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood that may aggravate atherosclerosis.
- Eat a diet rich in omega-3-fatty acids by eating more
fish or take fish oil supplements. (See the fish oil article). High intake of
omega-3-fatty acids decreases the risk of sudden death from heart attacks.
- Undergo further testing. In the months following a heart attack, further
cardiac stress testing, with or without nuclear or echocardiographic imaging,
may be prescribed to determine if additional therapy will be necessary to
prevent future heart attacks. In addition, special testing may be required to
evaluate the risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias. All such testing should be
discussed with the doctor.
Last Editorial Review: 4/18/2007
- ACE Inhibitors - Read about ACE inhibitors like Altace, lisinopril, enalapril, ramparil, Zestril and more. Information includes side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy safety information.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft - Read about heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft surgery, CABG) including how coronary artery disease is diagnosed, treated, recovery time, risks and complications, and the long term results after CABG.
- Congestive Heart Failure - Read about congestive heart failure symptoms like fatigue, abdomen, leg and ankle swelling, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, increased urination, nausea, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.
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