Read up on Heart attack treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Heart attack

Key points about treatments

A heart attack is serious. But if you get treatment quickly, you have a good chance of living through it. The first treatments you're likely to have will get rid of whatever's keeping the blood from getting to your heart. They will also stop the pain and limit the damage caused by your heart attack.

You might be given other treatments in the hospital. These will make it easier for your heart to pump blood, relieve your pain and help stop you from getting complications. They can also lower your chance of having another heart attack.

You can do a lot to help your heart recover. You can also take action to stay healthy and make it less likely that you'll have another heart attack. For example, you can join a cardiac rehabilitation program and learn how to care for your heart and your health. Ask your doctor for a referral to a program. To find out more, see Taking care of your heart.

You might have to take medication for a long time after your heart attack. Never stop taking medication without talking to your doctor first. If side effects bother you, see your doctor as soon as you can. He or she will be able to change your medication safely.

Key points about treating heart attacks

Treatments work best if you get them quickly. If you think you might be having a heart attack, call 911 right away.
While you are waiting for help, chew an aspirin. Aspirin can help you make it through your heart attack. But always call for help first, before looking for an aspirin.
In the hospital, two treatments can raise your chance of a good recovery. They are clot-busting drugs (also called thrombolytics) and an operation to open up blocked arteries. Both work well.
Drugs called beta-blockers can reduce your risk of dying after a heart attack. They might also keep you from having another heart attack.
After a heart attack, drugs called ACE inhibitors can help you live longer and might keep you from having another heart attack.
You and your doctor can take steps to prevent another heart attack. For example, you will probably start taking a drug called a statin before you leave the hospital. Statins are drugs that are used to treat high cholesterol but they can also help people who have had a heart attack. For more information, see Statins for people with heart disease in our section on high cholesterol.
Older drugs called nitrates can stop the pain caused by a heart attack. They might also help you live longer.

This information was last updated on Apr 09, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional. The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.

Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.