The American Heart Association Guide to Heart Attack Treatment, Recovery, and Prevention

A heart attack is a dramatic, defining moment for everyone who experiences it. You may have trouble coming to terms with what happened, and of course you're worried that you might have another attack. You may not understand just what lies ahead. Here, in clear, straightforward language, the American Heart Association gives you answers to the many questions you have about your own health--or that of someone you love.

This reassuring and indispensable guide covers every aspect of a heart attack and its aftermath in understandable language. First, you will learn the warning signs to watch for and find out just what happens during a heart attack. Next, the American Heart Association takes you through every stage of treatment in the hospital, including which medications and other methods of treatment your doctor is likely to use.

After addressing your most immediate concerns, this guide also helps you with the critical long-term decisions that will have the most bearing on your future health: the benefits and risks of interventional surgery, diet and lifestyle changes that can help prevent future attacks, the critical warning signs of future attacks, and ways of coping with the inevitable emotional strain a heart attack causes. You'll also find first-person accounts from heart attack survivors who have been through every aspect of treatment, recovery, and prevention. These stories will show you how others have made the difficult decisions after a heart attack, inspire you to make the important changes, and help you gain a fresh perspective on a condition that affects over 1.25 million Americans a year.

A heart attack is indeed a life-altering experience. But by no means is it the end of life as you know it. With clear plans and the will to succeed, you can change your life--for the better. The American Heart Association gives you the information, inspiration, and guidance your need to move toward a healthier, happier future.