10 Mistakes Heart Attack Patients Make

A first heart attack is serious, but a second one can be even more dangerous.

The key to preventing a recurring heart attack? Knowing what not to do during recovery. From skipping medications to ignoring mental health, these mistakes can cost you your life.

Heart experts at Franciscan Health discuss common missteps made by heart attack patients and what you can do to help prevent a second heart attack in the future.

Key Takeaways: Recurring Heart Attacks

• Second heart attacks are common. One in four heart attacks in the U.S. is a repeat event, often within 90 days of the first. If you have had a heart attack, work with your doctor to learn what's best for you personally to prevent a second one in the future.
• Lifestyle changes are critical. Building healthier habits, such as exercise, nutrition, and stopping smoking, can make the difference in preventing a second heart attack.
• Sticking to your medication routine saves lives. Stopping or skipping prescribed heart medications without consulting your doctor can lead to serious complications.
• A heart attack can be a life-changing event. It's normal for you or your family members to feel a range of emotions, from fear to sadness to anger. Having a support system or professional help can make a difference.

Second Heart Attacks Are Common

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. About 805,000 people in the United States have a heart attack each year. Of those, one-fourth are recurrent heart attacks, according to 2025 statistics from the American Heart Association.

“If you've already had a heart attack, you're at increased risk for another, but with a few smart moves you can reduce that risk of a second heart attack,” said Calvin Sheng, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Franciscan Health Indianapolis.

Unfortunately, many heart attack patients have mistaken ideas about what's good for them and what not to do after a heart attack. Those mistakes can set them up for recurring heart attacks. 

To prevent a recurring heart attack, experts recommend following professional advice regarding medication and making lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors, including exercising, eating a heart-healthy diet, losing weight, controlling blood pressure and quitting smoking.

"Proper treatment and a change in lifestyle after a heart attack can limit or prevent further harm," said David Blemker, MD, a cardiologist at Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians.

Having a recurring heart attack, or a second heart attack within 90 days of the first one, can significantly increase your risk of death within five years, according to the journal Circulation.

Don't make these 10 heart attack mistakes in your recovery from a heart attack.

Mistake 1: Thinking All Heart Attacks Are the Same

If your uncle had a heart attack even after a lifetime of eating low-fat foods and jogging every day, you may think changing your own lifestyle is not worth the trouble. Or, your friend the construction worker may have given up his job after a heart attack, so you assume you'll need to give up your desk job after a heart attack. Don't count on it.

If you have heart disease or have had a heart attack, work with your doctor to learn what's best for you personally. Everyone has different genetics and different risk factors unique to their own lifestyle. It's important to work with your doctor, friends and family to understand and develop a plan that is appropriate for you.

Mistake 2: Not Improving Your Diet After A Heart Attack

Learning to eat better may seem like the challenge of a lifetime, but experts say moving to a heart-healthy diet is key for watching heart disease and preventing a second heart attack. Eat a healthy, balanced diet low in fat and calories.

“The most important things are, first and foremost, diet,” said Babu Doddapaneni, MD, a cardiologist at Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians. I cannot stress enough on the diet part of this because we are surrounded by all these fast-food restaurants, and it is so easily accessible. It's such an easy temptation to go get quick bite from the fast food.”

Mistake 3: Avoiding Exercise After A Heart Attack

Regular exercise can be one of the best things you can do for your heart. It's critical for someone who's already had a heart attack to exercise properly under the advice of a doctor. Exercise can help former heart attack patients control risks related to weight, cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes.

“Everybody who can exercise who should be able to get at least 30 to 40 minutes of aerobic exercise a day, and it may not be fancy,” Dr. Doddapaneni said. “If it's not possible to walk outside, just use a treadmill or a stationary bike at home, for a minimum of 30 minutes a day.”

Get an exercise prescription designed just for you, based on your physical condition and your needs and interests, and participate in cardiac rehab if it’s recommended by your cardiologist.

Mistake 4: Not Adopting Healthier Habits

Healthier habits, in addition to diet and exercise, are important steps that can help you prevent a second heart attack.

Important steps that can help you prevent a recurring heart attack include:

• Quit smoking, vaping or other tobacco use. “Nicotine has this what we call vasoconstricting ability where it can constrict the blood vessels,” Dr. Doddapaneni said. “Nicotine can really accelerate the process of plaque buildup in the arteries everywhere, not just the heart.” Check out our Aspire tobacco cessation program if you need help stopping tobacco use.
• Control your weight.
• Manage your blood pressure. Talk with your physician or healthcare provider to keep you on track.
• Control your cholesterol levels.
• Control diabetes or any other blood sugar abnormalities.
• Watch your work hours. A study in the Journal of American College of Cardiology found that people who work more than 55 hours a week after a heart attack are twice as likely to have another, compared with those who work 35 to 40 hours a week.
• Visit your healthcare provider regularly to make sure you are on track.

Mistake 5: Staying Stuck in Grief or Depression

After a heart attack, some people can feel depressed, anxious or overwhelmed by all the things that are thrown at them – procedures, cardiac rehab, their diet, and more. You may have lost your healthy self-image or the ability to do important things in your life.

"It's common to feel the 'cardiac blues,' or being down or sad after a heart attack," said Dr. Sheng. "These feelings often go away with time and support."

Any major life change will bring feelings of loss and may require a grieving process. You and your family may need to work through a variety of emotions after your heart attack. Keep in mind that doing so leads to a positive, constructive future. If you are overwhelmed with feelings of grief or depression, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional.

Mistake 6: Stopping Or Pausing Heart Medicines

“Taking your medications is very important to keep you out of the hospital and on the right track for your heart health,” said Dr. Sheng. “Don't stop taking your medicines without talking to your healthcare provider, even if you think you're feeling better physically.”

Instead, work with your provider to determine what your choices are and what these medicines can do for you in terms of risk versus benefit. Ask for help in choosing the ones that:

• Work the best for you
• Have the fewest side effects
• Are affordable
• You'll be comfortable taking
• Fit with your daily schedule

Mistake 7: Not Enlisting Your Family

Don't be afraid to make a big deal about your attempts at a healthy lifestyle after a heart attack. Ask your loved ones to give you as much support as possible.

Get tips for how to change to a heart-healthy lifestyle as a family. 

Mistake 8: Staking Your Life On Outdated Truths

Times change, and so does heart care. Blood pressure guidelines have changed in the last few years, and in many cases, the treatments doctors relied on just a few years ago are already considered outdated. There have been dramatic changes in medicines and procedures, so stay up-to-date with regular visits to your heart care team.

Mistake 9: Not Asking Your Doctor Questions

Your doctor and healthcare providers are your greatest allies, and they want to partner in your care. Don't hesitate to call or contact your doctor using MyChart if you have questions or concerns about your heart health or any symptoms. (If you're having signs of a heart attack, though, skip MyChart and call 911 immediately.)

Talk to your doctor if you notice any new symptoms that your heart condition may be getting worse—especially if you’ve had a procedure delayed.

Mistake 10: Not Seeking Treatment For Possible Heart Attack Symptoms 

If you think you're having a heart attack, it's critical to seek medical care immediately.

“The best and most appropriate thing always is to call 911,” Dr. Doddapaneni said. “Do not start driving yourself to the emergency room or have somebody drive you there. The best and safest thing is to call 911 where they can safely take you to the emergency room and attend to you in case something happens on the way."