Post-MI
Why did my heart attack happen?
Your heart is made of muscle. Its most important job is to pump blood to all parts of your body to provide adequate supplies of oxygen. It also supplies blood to its own muscle. It does this through a network of very small pipes called coronary arteries. It one of these becomes partly or completely blocked the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen and this causes a heart attack. The usual symptoms of a heart attack are severe crushing chest pain going into your left arm or jaw, sometimes with breathlessness and sweating. -
How common is a heart attack and how can I prevent another one?
Heart attacks are very common. In the UK about 330,000 people have a heart attack each year. Men are more likely than women to have a heart attack. It is important to look at the reasons (risk factors) that caused you to have a heart attack. The main risk factors are smoking, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, stress, eating too much fat and being overweight. Preventing another heart attack will depend on how you and your doctors can control these risk factors. These were part of your old lifestyle which must now change.
How can I change my lifestyle?
By changing your lifestyle you will be able to speed up your recovery and protect your future life. If you smoke you should stop; this will reduce your chances of having another heart attack. You will also need to change your dietary habits. You should try to cut down the amount of fat, red meat, sugar and salt you eat and increase considerably the amount of foods containing fibre such as fruits and vegetables. You should drink very little alcohol in the first few months after your heart attack. You do not need to stop drinking completely unless your doctor advises you to. However, your daily intake of alcohol should not be more than one or two glasses of wine, or a pint of beer, or a single measure of spirits. You should also try and avoid stressful situations. Your doctor or nurse will be able to give you advice about relaxation techniques. Moderate exercise such as gentle walking and swimming is generally considered safe. Gradually you will I be able to resume a normal sex life and after about four to six weeks you will be able start driving again as long as your doctor is satisfied with your progress.
What treatments are available?
Your doctor will decide on the best treatment to help lower your blood pressure, if this is high, and reduce the amount of work your heart has to do. Your doctor may give you several different medicines, but do not worry, this is not unusual. As you get better your doctor may take you off some of these. It is important that you remember to take these medicines regularly and exactly as your doctor recommends.
How often will I need to see my doctors?
You will probably see the specialist at your hospital as an outpatient about three months after you leave hospital. The specialist may arrange for you to have a special X-ray or carry out some tests to check if you need any specialist treatment.
You will probably see your own GP once every four weeks so that he or she can check your blood pressure, discuss the medicines that you need, give advice on increasing your activities and discuss how long you should stay off work.
After you have returned to work you will probably see your GP once or twice a year so that he or she can check your blood pressure and make sure that you have recovered as much as possible.
Help yourself
- Stop smoking.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Take regular gentle exercise.
- Practice relaxation techniques.
- Avoid heavy drinking.
- Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
- Take all medicines exactly as recommended by your doctor and do not share them with anyone else.
Further information
British Heart Foundation |
Family Heart Association |