Heart beat: Beware cardiac arrest after heart attack

Heart beat

Beware cardiac arrest after heart attack

Surviving a heart attack is either a huge achievement or a miracle, depending on your point of view. Although the worst is behind you, the month after a heart attack is difficult for many reasons. Coping with the aftermath can be a challenge. And it takes a while for the riled-up heart to settle down. A study of residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota (the home of the Mayo Clinic), shows that sudden cardiac arrest and sudden death occur four times more often in the month following a heart attack than at other times. The absolute numbers aren't huge — 1.2% of heart attack survivors had cardiac arrests in the 30 days after their attacks versus 0.3% in the months after that. But the increase is something to be aware of (Journal of the American Medical Association, Nov. 5, 2008).

You can do a few things to help prevent your heart from careening into ventricular fibrillation, the fast, disorganized rhythm that causes cardiac arrest. Taking your medicines, starting a cardiac rehab program, and eating fatty fish rich in omega-3 fats, such as salmon and sardines, can help keep the heartbeat steady. And make sure your family members, friends, co-workers, and others have learned how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and know to call 911 right away if you suddenly collapse.

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »

I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.