Patient discussions
Patients should schedule a follow-up appointment with their doctor in 1 to 2 weeks. Patients should be given prescriptions and detailed discharge instructions including a list of medications to take. These instructions should inform the patient what to do if they experience any recurrent signs or symptoms and should include restrictions on physical activity. Before discharge, patients should also receive instruction and prescriptions for any additional testing that is needed by the physician. These medications typically consist of cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood pressure medications, cardioprotective drugs, aspirin, and other similar drugs. If one is available, patients should enter a cardiac rehabilitation program. Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured program that provides myocardial infarction (MI) survivors with the tools, motivation, and support needed to change behavior and increase the chance of survival. Typically, cardiac rehabilitation programs use group therapy to supervise and promote beneficial exercise, as well as to provide emotional support. Home-based cardiac rehabilitation may also be an option.[105]
Patients should return to the nearest emergency room or call their physician if they develop recurring chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, gastrointestinal symptoms, lightheadedness, palpitations, or other symptoms suggesting another MI or heart condition.
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