Surviving Cancer

Symptoms Of Heart Attack

The Basics of Secondary Prevention

Your heart needs extra care especially if you have suffered from an attack or some other cardiovascular problem. That is where secondary prevention plays an important role.

What is Secondary Prevention?
Secondary prevention is simply identifying and treating people with established heart disease and those at a very high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It involves treating those who have suffered a heart attack once so as to avoid the second. Thus the goal of secondary prevention is to reduce the risk of future heart complications.

Secondary prevention aims at achieving the following:
• A general improvement in the patient's quality of life.
• Lessens the need for interventional procedures such as bypass surgery.
• Minimizes the chances of heart attack.

Your role in secondary prevention

The most important part of secondary prevention involves you and the proactive steps you need to take to protect your heart from further damage:

• Keep a check on your cholesterol: If you have to lower your blood cholesterol, find out whether drug therapy or a low-fat diet or simpler treatment is required. This is an important part of your preventions.

• Follow an exercise schedule: Ask your doctor to recommend an exercise schedule, which you can easily follow. A minimum of 30 to 60 minutes of moderate-intensity activity three to four times a week that includes walking, jogging, cycling or any other aerobic activity would be ideal for you. You can also include daily lifestyle activities such as taking exercise breaks at work, using the stairs, gardening and incorporating household work into your schedule for about five to six hours a week. However, patients at high risk should remember to seek medical advise before undergoing any activity.

• Maintain your ideal weight: It is essential that you keep a check on your ideal weight. If you are at least 20 per cent heavy, ask your doctor to prescribe a diet and exercise program for you.

• Control your blood pressure: If you suffer from high blood pressure, besides taking medication you may need to check your weight, restrict your alcohol and sodium intake and start some physical activity. Remember maintaining normal blood pressure is good for the heart.

• Quit smoking: Nicotine is poison for the heart so if you are a smoker give it up. However, if you find it difficult try counseling, nicotine replacement methods and seek support from family and friends.

Finally, schedule regular appointments with your doctor and follow his advice religiously. If you incorporate the above points in your lifestyle and make them a lifelong commitment, there is no reason why your heart should give you trouble again.

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