What can be done to prevent a heart attack/prevent future heart attacks?

It is never too late to take steps to prevent a heart attack, even if you have had one in the past. Medications, lifestyle, and coping skills are all ways to keep your heart healthy.

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

Aspirin is recommended to be taken daily to prevent the blood from becoming "sticky.” Other blood-thinning medications, like clopidogrel (Plavix), might be prescribed, 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 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, like statins (ex. 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 help relax the blood vessels, and can also slow the heart rate (ex. Diltiazem/Cardizem).

Lifestyle Changes

The way you live affects the health of your heart. By establishing and following a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent further and future damage to your heart.

1. It is important to have regular medical check-ups.

By seeing your doctor regularly, undiagnosed problems, like high blood pressure, can be treated promptly and thereby prevent heart damage. Your doctor can also perform tests that assess heart problems or cardiovascular disease.

2. Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly.

Keeping these both in check will prevent heart damage from occurring.

3. 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 kick the habit.

4. 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!

5. Manage the stress in your life.

This will help reduce the stress on your heart. Avoid unhealthy ways of dealing with stress – re-think 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, for not only 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 who may be able to refer you to a support group or counseling.

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.