As Seen in Expressly My Health
A new survey reveals a majority of heart attack survivors characterize their attack as a life-altering "wake-up call," giving them renewed priorities and a second chance at life.
However, many of those surveyed also say their heart attack left them with feelings of depression, hopelessness or fear. In fact, the survey showed that heart attack survivors are more likely to fear having another attack than death. Surprisingly, the survey also showed that while an overwhelming majority acknowledge their increased risk for another attack, 40% admit they are not doing everything they can to avoid one.
"I was particularly surprised that those surveyed indicated they fear another heart attack more than death and that a substantial number of people admitted they are not doing everything they can to avoid that fear from being realized," said Gus Littlefield, national board member of Mended Hearts, a nationwide heart patient support group affiliated with the American Heart Association. "The likelihood is far too high that heart attack survivors will suffer another attack within a few years. My hope is that through the ongoing efforts of Mended Hearts and some new tools, we can educate people on how to prevent a heart attack and motivate them to take action."
In the survey, 80% of heart attack survivors said they needed more information to manage their heart health. In order to provide patients with this critical information, Mended Hearts announced the launch of "Heartfelt Wake-Up Call," a multiphased initiative to provide education, tools and support to heart attack survivors and their families. "We hope that this new initiative will empower patients and their loved ones to take an active role in preventing a future heart attack and illustrate that heart attacks, while devastating at the time, can lead to positive life changes," said Littlefield.
Mended Hearts commissioned the survey of heart attack survivors, conducted by Harris Interactive and funded by GlaxoSmithKline, to explore the impact of a heart attack on survivors and assess education and support needs. Based on the findings, Mended Hearts has developed practical tips for "Heartfelt Living" and "Heartfelt Support."
The survey of 518 survivors also tapped into other emotional impacts of a heart attack. An overwhelming majority of those surveyed indicated their heart attack forced them to face their own mortality (90%). A majority of heart attack survivors say they reevaluated their priorities in life (55%) and ultimately believe they have been given a second chance at life (85%).
"My heart attack was certainly a wake-up call and one that changed the course of my life," said Frank Rella, a heart attack survivor, paramedic and author of Manhattan Medics. "I went from feeling fear for my future to finding a new sense of purpose. I changed my career path and became a paramedic so that I could help to save the lives of others, who hopefully will ultimately recognize their own wake-up call as a second chance to live a full and healthy life."
The survey also showed that in addition to acknowledging that they are at a higher risk for having another heart attack (88%), the majority of heart attack survivors also recognized an increased risk of developing a chronic condition such as heart failure (84%).
"I see these survey results come to life in my practice every day. While many of my patients who have suffered a heart attack are very aware and afraid of their increased risk of having another one, they are not doing everything they can to live a heart-healthy life," said William Abraham, director of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at The Ohio State University Medical Center. "I counsel and inform appropriate patients that with the right treatments, which for many include a beta-blocker, statin, Ace inhibitor and aspirin, healthy lifestyle choices and a good support system, they can help prevent a future cardiovascular event and live a full and active life."
Not only did the survey show that both men and women view their heart attack as a "wake-up call," it also revealed key differences between the two groups in how they seek treatment and the emotional impact of a heart attack. Surprisingly, women (78%) were less likely to see their healthcare professional on a regular basis than men (92%), and men (86%) were more likely than women (72%) to get help with their treatment from someone else aside from their healthcare professional.
These differences in how the two groups seek treatment may explain why more men (31%) than women (18%) feel strongly about knowing what they need to do to prevent a future heart attack
