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Treatment for a Mild Heart Attack

Treatment for a mild heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, begins in the hospital and is continued once the patient is released. The type of treatment depends on the condition of the patient and the amount of damage to the heart.

  1. Medication in the ER

    • To prevent the blood from clotting, the patient may be given aspirin or another anti-clotting medication when they arrive in the emergency room. Other medications may be given to improve functioning of the heart, widen blood vessels and decrease pain.

    Reperfusion Therapy

    • Reperfusion therapy include thrombolysis (breaking down any blood clots), balloon angioplasty (enlarging the blocked artery and possibly inserting a stent) or surgery.

    Cardiac Rehabilitation

    • Once the patient leaves the hospital, it is recommended that they receive cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation lowers the risk of future heart-related problems.

    Medications at Home

    • Certain medications will likely be prescribed to the patient. These include blood thinners and medications to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol.

    Surgery

    • Patients who do not have a balloon angioplasty or artery bypass surgery during or immediately after their heart attack may need this surgery after they are released from the hospital.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • Patients will probably have to make lifestyle changes to prevent future heart-related problems. These changes include quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and consuming healthy meals.

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