He also stayed in the hospital for another week, in a step-down unit, where he was monitored by telemetry. He had a catheterization at another hospital, where he was moved by ambulance. He didn't need an angioplasty. Once a patient is stable and ready to go home, the person is often given a cocktail of drugs to help prevent another heart attack. The cardiologist continues to follow the person to monitor drugs and the heart and to get additional tests, if necessary.
Some people also get an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor.
Lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise and smoking cessation, are also vital to prevent future heart attacks. Between medical technology, drugs and better prevention, the death rate from heart attack has declined 25 percent between 1987 and 1997. But coronary heart disease, which includes heart attacks and angina or chest pain, remains the leading cause of death in this country. Since his heart attack, LeMay has lost 70 pounds and tries to use his treadmill three times a week. But dieting is difficult for him.