I’ve already had a heart attack. Can I prevent another one?

You can hugely reduce the risk of having another heart attack; this is called ‘secondary prevention’.

Your doctor will prescribe several drugs which will probably include: a statin to lower cholesterol, aspirin to reduce thrombosis risk; a beta-blocker and an ACE inhibitor to protect the heart. Sometimes a fish-oil capsule will be prescribed if you aren’t managing to eat two portions of oily fish a week.

It is extremely important to take the drugs as prescribed and to tell your doctor if you think you are having any side effects. In the old days, we couldn’t do much except wait for another heart attack, but things have really changed and modern drug treatment is very effective.

No matter how good the drugs are, they cannot take the place of a protective lifestyle. The diet plan in Dump Your Toxic Waist! Lose inches, beat diabetes and stop that heart attack! will help to reverse the changes that led to your heart attack. Obviously, not smoking and being physically active are very important too.

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