Teach Me

Second Heart Attacks: Preventing Them and Recognizing the Signs

If you've had a heart attack, there's a good chance you're worried about having another one. Having a heart attack can indeed increase your risk of it happening again. But you can take steps to lower that risk.

“With secondary heart attacks, prevention is the top priority,” said Desiree Anguiz, a cardiology nurse practitioner with Banner - University Medicine.

What is a second heart attack?

A second heart attack is exactly what it sounds like — a heart attack that occurs again after you've had an initial heart attack. Second heart attacks are also called recurrent heart attacks.

After you have a first heart attack, your heart may be weaker and at higher risk of another one. This can happen even if you feel better and have made some lifestyle changes. A second heart attack can cause more damage than the first. It could make it harder for your heart to function and affect your overall health.

Are you at risk for a second heart attack?

There are a few risk factors for a second heart attack you should know:

  • Untreated high blood pressure can strain the heart and blood vessels.
  • Diabetes can lead to heart disease if blood sugar levels are not well controlled.
  • High levels of bad cholesterol can clog your arteries.
  • Smoking damages your blood vessels and makes heart disease worse.
  • Having excess body weight or obesity puts extra stress on your heart.
  • Not getting enough physical activity may worsen your heart health.

“You’re at higher risk of a second heart attack in the five years after the first heart attack and the risk is highest in the first year,” Anguiz said. “Try to find as much support as possible during this time and follow your health care provider's guidance on treatment and prevention. That’s your best defense in preventing second heart attacks.”

How to prevent a second heart attack

You can't guarantee that you won't have a second heart attack, but it can help to make lifestyle changes and follow medical advice. These steps can help in preventing heart attack recurrence:

  • Choose a heart-healthy diet focused on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Avoid eating a lot of salt, sugar or saturated fats. Anguiz said the Mediterranean diet is a good choice. 
  • Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week to help control weight, reduce stress and strengthen the heart.
  • Quit smoking. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart.
  • Manage stress. Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart, so practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation.
  • If your doctor prescribes medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol or other heart-related conditions, take them as directed.
  • If you have excess body weight or obesity, try to lose weight.
  • Make sure you’re getting seven to eight hours of restorative sleep each night.
  • If you have diabetes, manage your blood sugar and review your goals regularly with your provider.
  • See your health care provider for monitoring so you can catch any problems early.
  • Participate in cardiac rehab after any heart attack.

Recognizing the signs of a second heart attack

“Signs of another heart attack could be the same as what you experienced during the first event or they could be more subtle,” Anguiz said.

Here are some second heart attack symptoms and signs to watch for:

  • Chest pain or discomfort, which is the most common symptom of a heart attack. It may feel like pressure, tightness or squeezing.
  • Shortness of breath, fatigue or weakness, especially when exerting yourself.
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness or feeling faint.
  • Nausea or cold sweats, especially if you also have chest pain or discomfort.

Keep in mind that heart attack symptoms can vary between men and women. If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical care right away.

Follow up care and testing

It's important to have regular appointments and heart health screenings after you have a heart attack to help spot early warning signs of another one. 

Your care team may recommend:

  • Testing your cholesterol levels, since high cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your blood vessels.
  • An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to check your heart’s electrical activity for any issues.
  • Stress tests to see how well your heart performs during physical activity.
  • Echocardiogram, an imaging test that checks the function of the heart and detects problems with the heart muscle or valves.

Heart health support and resources

Emotional and community support can help you stay motivated in making heart-healthy changes like sticking to your exercise routine, eating healthy or managing stress.

Here are some ways to find help:

  • Reach out to local health organizations: Many hospitals, clinics and nonprofit organizations offer resources and information on heart disease and recovery.
  • Join heart-healthy communities: Online forums or local support groups can connect you with others who are managing heart disease and similar health challenges.
  • Lean on family and friends: Having loved ones who understand your condition and encourage you to stay healthy can make a big difference.

The bottom line

If you’ve had a heart attack, it’s natural to be concerned about having another one. You can lower your risk of a second heart attack with the right lifestyle changes, regular medical care and awareness of your risks. 

It’s also important to recognize the signs of a second heart attack and act quickly to help reduce the damage it can cause. Talk to your health care provider or an expert at Banner Health about the ways you can take control of your heart health.

Other useful articles

Heart Health