Preventing A Heart Attack

What causes a heart attack?

A heart attack (myocardial infarction) means that blood flow to the heart muscle has been decreased enough to cause damage to the heart muscle.  Some causes of blocked blood flow include blood clots, cholesterol buildup, and rupture of plaque within the blood vessel.  For those who have already suffered a heart attack, it is important to reduce the risk of recurrent attacks. Research has shown that there are several steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of recurrent heart attacks.  

Proven things you can do to prevent heart attacks

• Lower cholesterol
• Lower triglycerides
• Lower blood pressure
• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Eat fish
• Increase physical activity as allowed by your doctor. Inactive people have nearly twice the risk of heart disease as those who are active.
• Talk with your doctor about medicines that can decrease blood clotting

Medications that can reduce the risk of heart attack

• Cholesterol-lowering medication, which includes statins and non-statins
• Triglyceride lowering medications
• Medications that decrease inflammation

Current research is underway to study improving health after a heart attack

• Weight loss: Heart attack is three times higher in those who are obese than in those who are lean.
• New medications for those with unique cholesterol metabolizing problems.
• Anti-inflammatory medications targeting inflammation in blood vessels.