It happened: You had a heart attack. And thankfully, you’re still here. But one of the many questions going through your mind is probably “Now what?” The answer? Ask even more questions. One of the most important things you can possibly do after a heart attack is to have an honest conversation with your doctor—and don’t be afraid to ask every imaginable question you can think of, because every single answer can potentially save your life. And good doctors will be beyond happy to answer all of them. “Ask questions! There is no such thing as a stupid question, except the one unasked,” Dr. Edward Fry, MD, a cardiologist with Ascension St. Vincent Indiana, told Parade. “The best care after a heartattack is a partnership between the patient and his or her care team. Asking questions is the best way to take advantage of the knowledge, experience, and expertise that your care team possesses and allows them to do the best job they can do for you in preventing another heartattack.” As for what questions to ask? Here’s a list to help you get started. And don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for further explanations, written instructions, and clarifications on anything you may be unsure about. You may also want a friend or family member with you who can help by asking questions you may not have thought of, and who can help you write down answers.
The most important questions to ask your doctor after a heart attack
How bad is the damage and what are the symptoms?
Teri Dreher, a registered nurse and board-certified patient advocate for North Shore RN, says this is one of the most important questions to ask after a heart attack, period. “Ask the doctor to describe the extent of damage and what symptoms they should notify doctors of right away.”
What risk factors caused my heart attack?
Talking to your doctor about your medical history and lifestyle leading up to your heart attack is as important as discussing your future afterward. As in life, we cannot go backwards, but we can look forward and be better than before. Often a small heart attack can be a good thing. It can lead one to reassess lifestyle choices and make healthy necessary changes. “As cardiologists, we are aware of this malleable period and utilize it to our benefit to counsel people in making healthy changes when they’re most vulnerable and, thus, receptive,” Dr. Dina Katz, a cardiologist at Phelps Hospital, Northwell Health, tells Parade. “The most common risk factors leading to a heart attack should be addressed and treated including smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, unhealthy diet, stress, inactivity, and weight loss. By making these changes, future events can be prevented. For example, the Framingham Heart Study followed 5,000 smokers for 26 years; the risk of developing a major adverse cardiac event was significantly lowered within five years of smoking cessation. Many large clinical trials have shown that by lowering the bad LDL cholesterol, cardiac events and all-cause mortality can be reduced. It has also been shown that a Mediterranean diet can improve outcomes in persons with established heart disease.”
How can I best reduce my risk of another heart attack in the future?
Dr. Robert A. Lager, clinical cardiologist at Medstar Washington Hospital Center, says that it’s important to know exactly how to prevent another heart attack. “The most important questions to ask your doctor after a heartattack relates to the risk factors that affect the chance of repeat events,” he told Parade. “Our understanding of the central importance of vascular inflammation as the key driver of heart attacks has reshaped the treatment after such life-changing events. ‘How can I best reduce my risk?’ is the most important to ask after a cardiac event.” Follow-up questions are also integral to getting proper care and keeping yourself safe. “Seeking advice on how to quit smoking, move to a more healthy plant-based diet, and arranging for supervised exercise in cardiac rehabilitation programs all can meaningfully change a heartattack sufferer’s long-term outcome,” Dr. Lager says. “Educating oneself on the causes of inflammation that lead to heart attacks is the best way to reduce risk. Patients who are advocates for their own health learn about their illness and always have better outcomes.”
What is my ejection fraction?
You may have never even heard of an ejection fraction, but it’s crucial to know what it is now, Dreher says. “An ejection fraction is the measure of the heart’s muscle strength. Ask the doctor what it is and what it means regarding progress and what the angiogram (if they had one) and stent placement did to reverse the damage, as well as how long it takes for new circulation to build up to compensate for the damaged heart muscle.”
What is my lipid profile?
Requesting a lipid profile from your doctor can make a major difference in how you recover post-heart attack, as well as in preventing cardiac events, Dr. R. Preston Mason, a faculty member of the Cardiovascular Division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, says. “If your levels are not healthy (dyslipidemia), discuss appropriate next steps,” he advises. “The benefits of lowering your total cholesterol along with lifestyle management may significantly lower your risk of another heartattack!”
What are my necessary medications and what do they do?
You obviously should trust your doctors to make good decisions for you, but be sure you know why, especially in terms of prescriptions, Dreher advises. “Make sure you understand the purpose of any new medications and any possible side effects.” If you forget a question or need further clarification, she recommends Drugs.com for more insight, ask your pharmacist, or make a follow-up appointment with your doctor.
Do I need to avoid certain foods or substances while I’m on medication?
Your doctor may or may not put you on a diet after your heart attack depending on what your lifestyle was like leading up to it. Some medications don’t interact well with certain foods (grapefruit especially for certain cardiovascular medications), beverages, or other medications and supplements. Be sure to ask your doctor what you should avoid while you’re on medication post-heart attack. Also ask if you should avoid alcohol, which may interfere with your treatment and can affect your heart rate, as well as if it’s safe for you to be around smokers.
What activities can I engage in safely?
Whether you are a marathon runner or a marathon SVU watcher (or both!), chances are your activity levels will change after a cardiac event. So ask your doctor if it’s safe to go up and downstairs, carry and lift things, do light housework, and if it’s safe for your to exercise in general—and if so, for how long.
Do I need to change my diet? If so, how?
Depending on the cause of your heart attack and your lifestyle before it, your doctors may advise you to change your diet to prevent future cardiac events. Discuss with your doctor which foods to increase and decrease in your diet, as well as whether or not you’re allowed to have “cheat days.” Next, check out our guide to maintaining your heart health.
Sources
Teri Dreher, registered nurse and board-certified patient advocate for North Shore RNDr. Edward Fry, cardiologist with Ascension St. Vincent IndianaDr. Dina Katz, cardiologist at Phelps Hospital, Northwell HealthDr. Robert A. Lager, clinical cardiologist at Medstar Washington Hospital CenterDr. R. Preston Mason, faculty member of the Cardiovascular Division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolSam Nabil, CEO and lead therapist at Naya Clinics
