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Why is this Important?
ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) are medicines used to treat patients with heart
failure and are particularly beneficial in those patients with heart failure and decreased function of the left side of the heart. Early treatment
with ACE inhibitors and ARBs in patients who have heart failure symptoms or decreased heart function after a heart attack can also reduce
their risk of death from future heart attacks. ACE inhibitors and ARBs work by limiting the effects of a hormone that narrows blood vessels,
and may thus lower blood pressure and reduce the work the heart has to perform. Since the ways in which these two kinds of drugs work are
different, your doctor will decide which drug is most appropriate for you. If you have a heart attack and/or heart failure, you should get a
prescription for ACE inhibitors or ARBs if you have decreased heart function before you leave the hospital.
Why is this Important?
The heart is a muscle that gets oxygen through blood vessels. Sometimes blood clots can block these blood vessels, and the heart can’t get
enough oxygen. This can cause a heart attack. Chewing an aspirin as soon as symptoms of a heart attack begin may help reduce the severity
of the attack. This chart shows the percent of heart attack patients who were given (or took) aspirin within 24 hours of arrival at the hospital.
Higher percentages are better
Why is this Important?
Blood clots can block blood vessels. Aspirin can help prevent blood clots from forming or help dissolve blood clots that have formed. Following
a heart attack, continued use of aspirin may help reduce the risk of another heart attack. Aspirin can have side effects like stomach
inflammation, bleeding, or allergic reactions. Talk to your health care provider before using aspirin on a regular basis to make sure it’s safe for
you.
Higher percentages are better.
Why is this Important?
Beta blockers are a type of medicine that is used to lower blood pressure, treat chest pain (angina) and heart failure, and to help prevent a
heart attack. Beta blockers relieve the stress on the heart by slowing the heart rate and reducing the force with which the heart muscle
contracts (to pump blood). Most heart attack patients should be given a beta blocker within 24 hours of arriving at the hospital.
Higher percentages are better
Why is this Important?
Beta blockers are a type of medicine that is used to lower blood pressure, treat chest pain (angina) and heart failure, and to help prevent a
heart attack. Beta blockers relieve the stress on your heart by slowing the heart rate and reducing the force with which your heart muscles
contract to pump blood. They also help keep blood vessels from constricting in your heart, brain, and body. If you have a heart attack, you
should get a prescription for a beta blocker before you leave the hospital.
Higher percentages are better.
Why is this Important?
Smoking increases your risk for developing blood clots and heart disease that can result in a heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Smoking
causes your arteries to thicken and your blood vessels to narrow. Fat and plaque stick to the walls of your arteries, which makes it harder for
blood to flow. Reduced blood flow to your heart may result in chest pain, high blood pressure, and an increased heart rate. Smoking is also
linked to lung disease and cancer, and can cause premature death. It is important that you get information to help you quit smoking before
you leave the hospital. Quitting may help prevent another heart attack.
Higher percentages are better.
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