Acute MI

Alternative names:

heart attack; MI; myocardial infarction

Prevention:

Heart attacks can be prevented by a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications. Cardiac risk factors should be controlled whenever possible. Other steps include:

• Control blood pressure and total cholesterol levels
• Reduce or avoid smoking
• Modify diet increase high density lipoproteins (HDLs) and decrease low density lipoproteins(LDLs)
• Control diabetes
• Lose weight if obese
• Following an exercise program to improve cardiovascular fitness. (Consult the health care provider first.)

Updated Date: 06/22/00

Updated by: David H. Stern, MD Chief Medical Resident, University of Pennsylvania Hospital, VeriMed Healthcare Network