How to Prevent a Second Heart Attack: Cardiac Rehab + Lifestyle

After a first heart attack, it’s common to wonder, “Could this happen again?” Thinking about the “what ifs” is natural and an important step in understanding your risk. The good news is that a second heart attack doesn’t have to happen. In fact, there are proven steps you can take to lower your risk, including:

• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Regular check-ups

With a little knowledge and a steady commitment to recovery, you can strengthen your heart and return to the people and activities you love most.

What is the risk of having a second heart attack?

According to the American Heart Association, in 2019, about one in five people will experience a second heart attack within five years, and there are about 335,000 recurrent heart attacks in the United States each year. With your heightened risk, being proactive is essential, especially when other heart attack risk factors may also be raising your risk, such as:

• High blood pressure adds strain on your heart and blood vessels.
• High cholesterol can cause plaque build-up in your arteries.
• Diabetes or high blood sugar damages blood vessels and increases cardiovascular risk.
• Excess weight puts more pressure on the heart.
• Smoking damages arteries and limits oxygen flow.
• Lack of exercise keeps your heart from regaining strength.
• High stress or heavy alcohol use can raise blood pressure and heart strain.

What are the symptoms of a second heart attack? 

The most well-known sign of a heart attack is chest pressure, often described as a heavy weight, a tight squeeze, or intense fullness in the chest. This feeling is often mistaken for heartburn or acid reflux, as the pressure typically comes from the lower portion of the chest.

However, when it comes to a second heart attack, the warning signs may not always show up in the same way. You might not feel the same type of chest pain you experienced the first time, or the discomfort may be less intense, appear in a different area, or come with entirely different symptoms.

While chest pain is the most recognized symptom, heart attack warning signs are often more complex, and other symptoms may clue you in to the fact that you’re experiencing, or about to experience, a second heart attack. This unpredictability makes it especially important to stay alert, even if what you feel seems different from before.

By tuning into your body's signals and understanding how symptoms can differ, you’re taking the first step in learning how to prevent a second heart attack.

Warning signs of a second heart attack in men

Men often experience what many consider “classic” heart attack symptoms, such as:

• Chest discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, or heaviness
• Pain that spreads to the arms, shoulders, back, neck, or jaw
• Shortness of breath that happens even with light activity
• Cold sweats that come on suddenly
• Nausea that doesn’t ease up
• Lightheadedness that makes you feel faint or unsteady

Warning signs of a second heart attack in women

Women can experience chest pain, too, but sometimes their symptoms are less typical and often dismissed. These may include:

• Shortness of breath that makes you feel winded during rest or activity
• Nausea or vomiting that can be mistaken for stomach trouble
• Extreme fatigue that does not subside with rest
• Pain in the upper back, neck, chest, or jaw
• Chest discomfort and pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen
• Sudden fainting or feeling like you might pass out
• Indigestion that feels unusual or persistent

If you notice any of these signs, call 911 right away. Getting help quickly can make all the difference.

How to prevent a second heart attack

The best way to prevent a second heart attack is to support your heart and rebuild its strength through rehabilitation and heart-healthy lifestyle adjustments.

To prevent a second heart attack, you can follow these five steps:

• Take your medications: Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to protect your heart and reduce risk.
• See your health care professional: Schedule a check-up within six weeks of your heart attack to make sure your recovery is on track.
• Join a cardiac rehab program: Rehab helps you recover physically and emotionally with supervised exercise, guidance on healthy habits, and tools to manage stress.
• Manage your risk factors: Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking raise your chances of another heart attack. Take your medications, eat well, stay active, and don’t smoke.
• Get support: It’s normal to feel worried or uncertain. Talking with loved ones or others who’ve had a heart attack can help you feel less anxious and more supported.

We understand that changing your habits can be tricky. However, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Cardiac rehabilitation programs were made to help. 

What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehab is a supportive program designed to help patients recover after cardiac events, such as a heart attack, heart failure, and complex surgeries. Whether you’re in-patient or out-patient, a caring team of experts will create a recovery and heart attack prevention plan that fits your specific goals.

At in-patient cardiac rehab, you’ll explore:

• Tips for safe recovery at home
• Guidance to protect and strengthen your heart
• Clear directions for taking your medications
• Support to help you move smoothly into out-patient care

At out-patient cardiac rehab, you’ll explore:

• Customized exercise and recovery plans to strengthen your heart
• Coaching on healthy habits and managing stress
• Easy-to-follow education about heart health
• Safe, supervised workouts with heart monitoring

With cardiac rehab, healthy habits, medications, and regular follow-up care, you’ll have the tools and support you need to prevent a second heart attack.

Take the next step in protecting your heart by learning about our cardiac rehabilitation program today.