Youve Survived a Heart Attack-Now What?

To reduce your odds of having a second heart attack, its important to control risk factors, adhere to medications, and participate in rehab.

Published: July 24, 2007

A significant number of patients who have had a heart attack will have a second heart attack within five years, according to a 2007 American Heart Association (AHA) study. The report, Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, says that 16 percent of men and 22 percent of women ages 40-69 will have a second heart attack or fatal coronary heart disease within five years. The figures are even higher for patients 70 and older: 24 percent of men and 25 percent of women can expect similar results.