Heart attack.
One of the major causes of death in the U.S., a heart attack occurs when blood flow to a section of heart muscle becomes blocked, preventing it from receiving the oxygen it needs. If not treated relatively quickly, the muscle will become damaged and possibly die.
Prevention.
It’s never too late to take steps to prevent a heart attack, even if you have had one in the past. Medications, lifestyle changes, and coping skills are all ways to keep your heart healthy. Here are some suggestions:
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe drug therapy if you have had a heart attack or are at high risk for one. Medications help the heart pump and function more effectively. Some of these medications include:
- Blood thinning medications. A daily dose of aspirin can help prevent the blood from becoming “sticky.” Your doctor might prescribe other blood-thinning medications, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), especially if you have received angioplasty.
- Beta blockers. These medications decrease the workload of the heart by lowering heart rate and blood pressure. One type of beta-blocker your doctor may prescribe is called metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol).
- Angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These medications help blood flow from your heart more easily. They are prescribed if a heart attack has occurred that has reduced the heart’s pumping function. An example of an ACE inhibitor is lisinopril (Zestril).
- Cholesterol-lowering agents. There are a variety of cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins (including Pravechol) and niacin. A majority of people who have had a heart attack take cholesterol-lowering agents, which will reduce the risk of a second heart attack.
- Calcium channel blockers. These medications (including Diltiazem and Cardizem) help relax the blood vessels and can also slow the heart rate.
Lifestyle Changes
The way you live affects the your heart health. By establishing and following a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent further and future damage to your heart. Here are some key lifestyle tips to help you live heart smart:
- Have regular medical check-ups. By seeing your doctor regularly, previously undiagnosed problems can be treated promptly and thereby prevent heart damage. Your doctor can also perform tests that assess heart problems or cardiovascular disease.
- Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly. Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol in check will prevent heart damage from occurring.
- Stop smoking. It’s the most important thing you can do to prevent future heart attacks. Continuing to smoke doubles your risk of a second heart attack or heart-related death. If you cannot stop smoking on your own, ask your doctor to prescribe a treatment to help you kick the habit.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise regularly. Eat a healthy diet. Maintain a healthy weight. Limit fatty, high sodium meals. All these changes will reduce your chances of heart problems. And they’ll make you feel much better, too!
- Manage the stress in your life. This will help reduce the stress on your heart. Avoid unhealthy ways of dealing with stress. Rethink your workaholic tendencies and never abuse alcohol to deal with stress.
Coping Skills
It is quite normal to be emotional after having a heart attack or a heart-related crisis. Feelings of fear, anger, and depression are very common—not only for the person who had the event, but also for loved ones. It is important to be able to talk about your feelings and discuss your heart attack and recovery. This is all a part of the healing process and should resolve in time. If you notice these feelings persisting and you are having difficulties coping, talk with your doctor. He or she may be able to refer you to a support group or counselor.
Having a heart attack doesn’t mean that life as you know it is over. By adjusting your lifestyle and making healthy changes, you can live a healthy, happy life.