Nov 5, 2008 5:49 pm US/Eastern
Study: Patients At Risk Weeks After Heart Attack
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
The risk of sudden death after a heart attack has fallen significantly over the past three decades.
But a new study finds the first month after a heart attack remains a period of increased danger for patients, highlighting the importance of aggressive treatment and vigilance by both patient and doctor.
A sudden heart attack changed Tom Carulli's life.
"Boom, down I go -- major pain, numb arms, my teeth are clenched. I've never felt such an intense pain," Carulli said.
But it's the steps he took in the first few weeks after his heart attack that may have saved his life.
A new study says during that time heart attack patients are more likely to suffer sudden cardiac death -- when the heart's electrical system unexpectedly fails.
"The risk of sudden death is related to the extent of damage to the muscle," said NYU Langone Medical Center hearty rhythm specialist Dr. Bill Slater.
Doctors say the study also highlights how important it is for patients to be vigilant about reporting symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue -- after they are released from the hospital.
"Those are really the predictors that either there's some mischief brewing in the blood flow, or that the heart muscle is not pumping adequately," said Dr. Slater.
Doctors need to explain that prescribed medications could be vital in keeping them alive.
Patients also have to make lifestyle changes, including cutting back on strenuous activity.
"I made adjustments in my diet. I'm on a drug regimen, and I take a blood test every month," Carulli said.
The risk of sudden death drops dramatically after those first 30 days.
That's good news for active people like Carulli, who don't want a heart attack to stop them in their tracks.
"Three or four months into it I'm back to running three miles a day and coaching my daughter's softball team," Carulli said.
The risk of sudden death drops rapidly after the first month, but that doesn't mean a patient is out of danger. They still need to be monitored carefully for symptoms of heart failure, again, things like shortness of breath, leg swelling, or significant fatigue which could increase their risk of sudden cardiac death significantly.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Over A Dozen Dolphins Stranded Off Cape Cod 42 mins ago 
Lawrence School Committee Votes To Suspend Laboy 5 mins ago
Stumble It!
Comments