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What can you do?
Fortunately, there are many ways
to reduce your risk of another blood
clot in your heart or brain that could
lead to another heart attack or stroke.
There are changes you can make to
your lifestyle that will help you to
stay well:
13,14
- Consume a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage your stress.
- Keep your cholesterol and blood pressure under control.
- Keep your blood sugar levels under control through regular monitoring if you have diabetes.
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Stop smoking
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What about medications?
Medications may be prescribed that can reduce your risk of having another heart attack or stroke. It is important to always take your medicines – and take them exactly as prescribed. They can help protect you from another life-threatening event. Any side effects should be reported to your doctor.
- Antiplatelet medications – help to prevent blood clots that cause heart attack and stroke
- Blood pressure medications – help to lower blood pressure
- Lipid-lowering drugs – help to lower your cholesterol
- Nitrates – help your arteries to dilate very quickly, allowing for better blood flow
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References:
13. Braunwald E, et al.ACC/AHA 2002 Guideline Update for the management of patients with unstable angina and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines.American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association,March 2002. Online at: www.acc.org/clinical/guidelines/unstable/incorporated/index.htm. Last accessed August 2006.
14. Smith S, et al. AHA/ACC Guidelines for secondary prevention for patients with coronary and other vascular disease: 2006 Update. Circulation 2006;113:2363–72.
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