While hospitalized, heart attack patients are hooked to ECG machines for constant monitoring, in case heart rhythm abnormalities develop. If the heart starts beating too fast or too slow, various medications may be given. Some patients may be fitted with pacemakers. If a patient experiences a dangerous arrhythmia known as ventricular fibrillation, an electric shock to the chest is administered. Patients who show signs of congestive heart failure are given a variety of medications to decrease strain on the heart and to encourage the heart to beat more forcefully.
Gentle exercise is recommended, but nothing that requires significant exertion.
Habits such as smoking, heavy drinking, and eating high-fat foods have to go. As a preventive measure, most heart attack survivors take a daily aspirin tablet to thin the blood. Other drugs may also be prescribed, depending on the patient. Some patients require invasive procedures to improve blood flow to the heart over the long term. Lifestyle Regular aerobic exercise greatly enhances efforts to prevent or recover from heart attack.