Merced, Calif., February 22, 2023 – February is American Heart Month and an ideal time to recommit to your heart health, especially for people who are at higher risk for heart attack. According to the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, heart attack survivors are most at risk for another heart attack and should diligently work to lower their risk. 

“One in four heart attack patients will experience a second heart attack,” said Sumesh Jain, MD interventional cardiologist, Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center Merced and volunteer medical expert for the American Heart Association. “It’s particularly important for these very high-risk patients and their caregivers to prioritize health in order to prevent a second event.” 

Here are some tips to help you refocus on your heart health during American Heart Month: 

1. Know and track your numbers. Maintaining cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure numbers within a healthy range can help prevent another heart attack. “Your numbers are your health roadmap. If you don’t know where you stand, how will you know where you’re going?” said Jain.

2. Work with your primary care doctor. “Your doctor is on your side. Together you can make informed decisions about your health,” Jain said. Treatment may include medication and healthy lifestyle changes, like exercise, a heart-healthy diet and quitting smoking. 

Remember, managing blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes is not one size fits all, especially for people at high risk for a heart attack. “It’s important to map out a treatment plan with your doctor based on your personal risk factors and health numbers,” said Jain. 

3. Focus on healthy food choices. Choose nourishing food, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, lean protein and fish. 

4. Get moving. Stay active and aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of those, each week. “Physical activity is one of the best ways to help you feel, think, sleep and live better. Be sure to discuss with your doctor which activities may be best for you,” said Jain. 

5. Manage stress to manage your health. Constant or chronic stress can lead to unhealthy habits like overeating, physical inactivity, smoking and risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure, depression and anxiety. 

“You can take charge of your health any time of year,” Jain said. “Even if you’ve not been as diligent about your health, it’s never too late to get back on track to prevent a secondary heart attack.” 

Learn more about preventing secondary heart attack attacks here

Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center Merced is a proud local sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Cherish Your Heartbeat campaign. 

Additional resources

###

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookTwitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

Kate Lino, t-kate.lino@heart.org