Life After a Heart Attack WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF HAVING ANOTHER HEART ATTACK?
A previous heart attack increases your risk of having a second one. However, you can make changes to prevent a second heart attack. Stay in touch with your doctor! If you recently experienced a heart attack, it is important that you take your prescribed beta-blocker medication for at least 6 months after your heart attack.
What Lifestyle Changes do I need to make? ¾ Quit smoking. ¾ Follow a healthy diet. ¾ Be physically active. ¾ Lose weight. How Can I Manage my Health? ¾ Keep your blood pressure under control. ¾ Have your cholesterol level checked regularly. ¾ Have your glucose levels checked. ¾ If you have diabetes, keep your Hemoglobin A1C level within recommended range (target less than 8%).
Learn about your Heart Medicines Did you know that your heart medicines lower your risk of sudden abnormal heart rhythms and sudden failure of your heart to pump after a heart attack? Your heart medicines also help prevent another heart attack. What medicines will I take? You will likely take these medicines: Ì Beta blocker - This reduces how hard your heart has to work. Your doctor may recommend you take this medicine for at least six months. Ì ACE inhibitor - This medicine helps your heart work better and lower your blood pressure. Ì Antiplatelet medicine - This medicine helps prevent blood clots and keep your arteries/ heart stents from closing off.
Is Cardiac Rehab Right for Me? Cardiac rehab is CRUCIAL to your recovery. In cardiac rehab you will work with a team of medical professionals. Cardiac rehab has been proven to: Ì Decrease your risk of having another serious heart attack. Ì Decrease your risk of dying. Ì Gets you back to the things you want to do. In cardiac rehab you will: Ì Work to get your heart back on track again through supervised exercise and dietary consultations. Ì Get the medical support you need to stay healthy. Coping With Your Emotions After a Heart Attack It s normal to feel afraid, angry, irritated, resentful, and sad after your heart attack. Did you know that most people who have had a heart attack go through all these emotions as part of their recovery? Ì Don t be afraid to ask for help. Ì Have someone you can talk to. Ì Learn ways that help you decrease your stress and anxiety. Ì Take time for you. Your Doctor Can Help If the treatment you need is too expensive, your doctor can help you find ways for you to get the treatment you need.
What are the warning signs of another heart attack? ¾ Lingering chest discomfort ¾ Arm, back, shoulder, neck, and/or jaw pain ¾ Shortness of breath ¾ Profuse sweating ¾ Nausea ¾ Lightheadedness What are the warning signs of a stroke? ¾ Sudden numbness, weakness, or inability to use your face, arm, or leg ¾ Difficulty walking ¾ Difficulty with your balance ¾ Sudden vision changes ¾ Drooling or slurred speech ¾ Difficulty speaking ¾ Difficulty understanding simple statements or confusion ¾ A sudden severe headache
What s the difference between Angina and a Heart Attack? ¾ Stable angina follows a pattern and you can learn to predict when it will happen. ¾ Stable angina pain goes away after a few minutes. ¾ Make sure you tell your doctor whenever you have chest pain. What should I do if I think I m having a stroke or heart attack? Call 911 immediately! Every moment that passes by causes more damage to your heart and brain, so get help right away!
This information is not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Please speak with your doctor before making changes to your current lifestyle. 1 Cameron Hill Circle Chattanooga, TN 37402 bcbst.com BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For TDD/TTY help call 1-800-848-0298. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-565-9140 (TTY: 1-800-848-0298). اللغویة تتوافر لك بالمجان. اتصل برقم 800-565-9140-1 (رقم ھاتف الصم والبكم: ملحوظة: إذا كنت تتحدث اذكر اللغة فا ن خدمات المساعدة 800-848-0298-1). 注意 : 如果您使用繁體中文, 您可以免費獲得語言援助服務 請致電 1-800-565-9140 (TTY:1-800-848-0298) QPI-19 AH (1/17) Beta Blockers After A Heart Attack Brochure