Heart Attack (Secondary Prevention)
What is Heart Attack (Secondary Prevention) ❓
Secondary prevention tries to prevent/reduce recurrence of a heart attack 💔
A heart attack is also known as myocardial infarction
It is the damage to the heart muscle caused by a loss of blood due to blockages 🚫
What are the Main Types of Secondary Prevention ❓
Cardiac rehabilitation:
Classes/support
Improve fitness & health 🏃
Strengthen the heart
Counselling 🗣
Lifestyle changes:
Stop smoking & reduce drinking 🍺
Increase physical activity to at least 2.5 hours a week
Eat a balanced/healthy diet (less salt/sugar/fat, more wholegrain & fish) 🐟
Lose weight (if overweight)
Drug treatment:
Ace inhibitor
Beta-blocker 💊
Statin
Blood-thinning medication
What is Secondary Prevention for ❓
To help prevent further heart attacks in patients who have had a heart attack
Reduce risk-factors associated with heart attack (e.g. smoking) 🚬
Also to reduce the damage and complications if it does reoccur
People with coronary heart disease are at risk ⚠️
What are the Adverse Effects of Secondary Prevention ❓
Some of the medications can cause:
Kidney issues
Heart rhythm issues 💞
Low blood pressure
Cough
Water retention 💦
Excessive bleeding
Dizziness/headache 💫
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