My father had a massive heart attack about 1 month ago and I need to know if he is at a higher risk for having another. He does have a stint and is on medications, but is that enough?
2006-10-16 11:21:51 · 9 answers · asked by chvygrl 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
Hate to say it, but yes, he's more likely to have a second heart attack. That's because he's already got heart disease, and heart disease isn't reversable.
But he can do alot to make sure anything that happens to him is a looooong time coming. If he smokes, he should quit. He should seriously look into cardiac rehab, which includes exercise (based on his level and current ability), nutrition guidelines (verrrrry important to limit saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium, but y'all prolly already know that). And he shouldn't feel bad if he kinda feels down for awhile after his heart attack -- heart enzymes do a number on your emotions. That's perfectly normal and things'll swing back to normal soon. Also, make sure he's on a cholesterol-lowering med if he isn't already.
I had a heart attack two years ago and have three stents in. But I'm passing all of my stress tests with flying colors, my EKG's are crystal, and I even went to Europe for about a month this summer!
I'm sure your dad will be fine too as long as he treats himself well (and I'm sure he'll have your help with that, lol). Best of luck to you both!
2006-10-16 11:39:34 · answer #1 · answered by Maggie P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The short answer is yes, anyone who has had a heart attack in the past is in one of the highest risk categories for a second (third, fourth, etc.) heart attack, but that just means that he has to be careful and aware of his condition, there are many things that can be done to reduce the risk.
For one thing, because he has a stent, it is super important that he never stop his plavix for any reason (except maybe major bleeding) for a year or so. Nothing will reduce the risk of that stent closing more than taking the plavix.
Secondly, if the hospital he went to is any good at all, they probably sent him home on 4 or 5 meds, Aspirin, plavix, a beta blocker, an ace inhibitor, and a statin (lipitor or zocor maybe). Each of those helps to reduce future risk of a heart attack and minimize, as much as possible, the damage from the heart attack he already had.
Finally, diet and exercise are important. He should try to keep his weight down and watch what he eats. He should follow with a cardiologist and keep his cholesterol and blood pressure down. All of these things can reduce the risk of another heart attack.
2006-10-17 11:07:52 · answer #2 · answered by The Doc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Medication, diet and exercise should be implemented at this stage of the game to ensure your father doesn't run the risk of another. He will also be referred to a cardiologist if he doesn't have one already for periodic monitoring by EEG or EKG. Most doctors put them on an aspirin regimen, and a beta blocker. The popular one is Toperol. If you question anything the doctor says or does, speak up, and if you don't like what he/she says, don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion.
2006-10-16 18:48:08 · answer #3 · answered by hazeleyedbeauty1967 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually you are but it depends on how severe the heart attack was and if they corrected his problem as to the reason he had such as blocked arteries etc. Sometimes you are actually much better after because the problem has been taken care of and remidied.....its all a matter of knowing his history to really answer that question with any amount of accuracy.
2006-10-16 18:25:04 · answer #4 · answered by cshell442003 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
your father must take care of himself or he can have another one. Medication may not be enough he must exercise and eat right. He may look healthy on the outside but its the inside thats not healthy. i have diabetes and high cholesterol but i look as healthy as a young kid but i could have a heart attack any day. tell ur dad to exercise, change his eating habits, take his medicine u help him get through it. take care.
2006-10-16 18:36:52 · answer #5 · answered by ms_mw_2004 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as he listens to his doctors about diet, drinking and smoking he may be alright.
My step-father continued sneaking smokes and eating salty foods, and after five more attacks did not make it.
He died before I turned 21.
2006-10-16 18:25:25 · answer #6 · answered by MЯ BAIT™ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
2006-10-16 18:29:03 · answer #7 · answered by S K 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes.
Now, if your dad is like mine, he'll become all about healthy this and that, and lecture you incessantly.
2006-10-16 18:29:14 · answer #8 · answered by Mazz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes.
2006-10-16 18:23:54 · answer #9 · answered by CC 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋