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disease information

Heart Attacks

Long Terms Effects and Complications

Within a few hours of having a heart attack, your damaged heart muscle will begin to heal and gradually strengthen your heart. This is a gradual process, and over the next few weeks scar tissue will form to strengthen your heart.

Although most people’s hearts will be working just as well as they were before the heart attack, some people may experience angina (pain or tightness in the chest on exercise) or problems with breathlessness, tiredness or swollen ankles, which tends to happen if the heart is not pumping blood as effectively as before (heart failure). If you notice these symptoms, tell your doctor.

If you have had a heart attack, you are already at risk of it happening again. You can greatly reduce your risk of this happening again by taking all your medicines exactly as your doctor prescribes and making sure your lifestyle is as healthy as possible.

  • If you smoke, stop now.
  • Eat at least five (but ideally seven to 10) portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day.
  • Cut down on salt, fats and sugars in your diet.
  • Take some moderate exercise every day (walking, swimming and cycling are ideal).
  • Lose weight if you need to.
  • If you drink alcohol, do not drink more than two to three units each day for men or one to two units each day for women. Don’t binge drink and make sure you have alcohol-free days in the week.
  • Take your medication as prescribed. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

 

 

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Last Updated 06/03/2008 17:20:01
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