@drportnay

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Friday, November 4, 2011

Updates secondary prevention guidelines

The guidelines recommend that patients with coronary heart disease and other vascular disease such as stroke and peripheral artery disease:

  • Stop smoking and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke;
  • Get at least 30 minutes of exercise 5-7 days a week;
  • Reduce weight if you are overweight, obese, or have a large waist;
  • Get an annual flu shot;
  • Take low-dose aspirin daily unless your doctor prescribes a higher dose or recommends against it because of medical contraindications.

These guidelines may help high-risk people live longer, healthier lives


  • Healthy habits and optimal medical treatment can improve survival and quality of life for people who have been diagnosed with heart disease, or experienced a heart attack or stroke
  • For the first time, the guidelines emphasize the importance of participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program after a heart attack or bypass surgery, and of diagnosing and treating depression in heart disease patients.

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