Starting treatment as quickly as possible can prevent or lessen damage to heart muscle and most importantly, save your life. Treatment will depend on the mildness or severity of the heart attack. Medications may include:
- Clot buster drugs (antithrombolytics)
- Platelet aggregation inhibitors
- Blood thinners
- Nitroglycerin
- Beta blockers
- ACE inhibitors
Surgery may also be necessary:
- Coronary angioplasty procedure, sometimes with permanent placement of a metal mesh stent to keep the coronary artery open
- Coronary artery bypass surgery may be needed, either at the time of the heart attack, or after recovery
After you have recovered from a heart attack, your doctor may advise some lifestyle changes to ensure continued good health:
- Stop smoking
- Exercise regularly as advised by your doctor
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Limit alcohol
- Find methods to deal with stress
- Have regular checkups