Here is the second part of questions and responses on heart attack and recovery brought to you by ContinuCare Home Health Inc. In San Antonio Texas.

How will the patient’s family and friends feel after the attack?

Heart attack can bring big emotional impact on any family. It is normal for them to feel frightened, angry, resentful and even guilty. It will be better for everyone to get their feelings out in the open. Counselling may help the family deal with the situation more quickly.

Are chest pains normal after a heart attack?

Angina pectoris or unstable angina (chest pain) is not common for every patient. Chest pain should only be very light and goes away quickly. Typically it occurs during or after an intense emotion or eating too much. It is better to inform the doctor on ANY type of chest pain since there are medication and exercises that can ease and prevent it.

Is rehabilitation important?

It is very important for any heart attack patient to get into a cardiac rehabilitation program to stay healthy. Recent studies show that rehabilitation lowers heart attack re occurrence and even cardiac death.

What changes are advised to avoid heart attack from reoccurring?

Positive lifestyle changes are extremely important to avoid another possible heart attack or stroke. Even if the patient is regularly taking medication, it is still very important for the patient to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle. Some measures patients can do:

• Avoid smoking – smoking doubles the chances of heart attack recurring
• Become more physically active – having a regular physical activity lessens stress, prevents depression, controls weight and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Eat a healthy diet – not only will good nutrition lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, having a healthy diet is also shown to help the patient’s body to heal faster.

What treatments are available?

Heart attack treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes and even surgical procedures for some cases. The doctor will run diagnostic tests in order to determine just how much the damage was and the degree of the coronary artery disease the patient has.