Not everyone who has had a heart attack needs open-heart surgery, such as a bypass operation. Read on to learn about other treatment options.
Over the long-term, your quality of life is tied to how severe your heart attack was and how it was treated. Beyond that, any change will depend largely on you.
Most Americans survive a first heart attack. By taking action, however, they can significantly reduce their chances for a second heart attack.
Technology has given us the automated external defibrillator (AED), which is turning up far from hospitals. Some schools and public buildings already have AEDs.
An AED is a small, portable, battery-powered machine with a computer in it. The machine detects heart activity. It can give an electric shock to someone if needed.