Surviving a heart attack often requires a team effort with paramedics, emergency staff, cardiologists, nurses, physical therapists and patients working together. Although they all play important roles, long-term success often depends on the efforts of one team member – the patient.

“Patients have two main challenges following a heart attack,” says Aimee Johnson, MD, FACC, a cardiologist with Park Nicollet Clinic—Shakopee. “They have to recover from the initial cardiac event, and they also have to avoid or manage certain risks to prevent a second one from occurring.”

Initial recovery
Heart attack patients usually undergo one of three types of treatment – medication only, angioplasty and stents or surgery. “Although every patient is different, we are developing protocols to standardize how we provide follow-up care based on these categories,” Dr. Johnson says.

Managing medications
During their first follow-up visit after a heart attack, doctors make sure patients understand what happened to them, and how to move forward. “It’s very important for doctors to explain the new medications and make sure the patient understands why they are necessary,” Dr. Johnson says. “If this was their first cardiac event, they may be taking four or five new pills, including a daily low-dose aspirin and medications to prevent blood clotting, and manage blood pressure and cholesterol.

Making lifestyle changes
For many people, it is much more difficult to make the lifestyle changes necessary to prevent a second heart attack. These changes may include quitting smoking, losing weight and becoming more active. To help patients succeed, doctors often recommend patients take advantage the resources available to them. 

To quit smoking, people can take advantage of smoking cessation programs, which offer face-to-face counseling and telephone helpline services. Prescription medications are available, as are over-the-counter products.

To lose weight successfully, doctors often encourage patients to become more active and adjust their diet by eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat meats and dairy. Sometimes, doctors refer patients to a dietitian.

To become more active, patients often take advantage of cardiac rehabilitation programs, where they work under the watchful eye of physical therapists who develop personalized exercise routines.

Today, more people are living longer and healthier lives after surviving a first heart attack. Paul is one example, and he working to inspire others to make the changes necessary to prevent a second heart attack from occurring.

To learn more about preventing heart attacks, visit parknicollet.com.