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How Can I Prevent a Heart Attack?
Most heart attacks are caused by coronary artery disease (CAD). You can help prevent a heart attack by knowing about your risk factors for CAD and heart attack and taking action to lower your risks.
You can lower your risk of having a heart attack, even if you have already had a heart attack or are told that your chances of having a heart attack are high.
To prevent a heart attack, you will most likely need to make lifestyle changes. You may also need to get treatment for conditions that raise your risk.
Make Lifestyle Changes
You can lower your risk for CAD and a heart attack by making healthy lifestyle choices:
Treat Related Conditions
In addition to making lifestyle changes, you can help prevent heart attacks by treating conditions you have that make a heart attack more likely:
Prevent a Second Heart Attack
If you have already had a heart attack, it is very important to follow your doctor's advice to prevent a second heart attack:
- Make lifestyle changes as directed
- Take your medications as directed
- Follow any other treatment recommended by your doctor, such as cardiac rehabilitation.
By taking these steps, you can prevent or reduce the chance of another heart attack and related complications, such as heart failure.
Make sure that you have an emergency action plan in case you have signs of a second heart attack. Talk to your doctor about making your plan, and talk with your family about it. The plan should include:
- The signs and symptoms of a heart attack
- Instructions for the prompt use of aspirin and nitroglycerin
- How to access emergency medical services in your community (most people dial 9-1-1)
- The location of the nearest hospital that offers 24-hour emergency heart care.
Remember, the symptoms of a second heart attack may not be the same as those of a first heart attack. If in doubt, call 9-1-1.
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Heart & Vascular Diseases:
Heart Attack:
Prevention
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