Care After a Heart Attack

Heart disease, including heart attack, is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States. If a doctor has told you that you had a heart attack, there are some things you need to know:

• Your doctor should order you a medicine called a beta-blocker before you leave the hospital. Also, talk with your doctor about using angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
• Pick up any medicine your doctor prescribes when you leave the hospital.
• Take your medicine. Do not stop taking your medicine just because you are feeling better. You should talk with your doctor before you stop taking your medicine.
• Speak with your doctor if you are having side effects from your medicine. There may be a better medicine for you.
• Have your cholesterol checked between 60 and 180 days after leaving the hospital when you have had a heart attack.
      - Your bad cholesterol level or LDL cholesterol should be below 100 mg/dL.