Following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) , secondary prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) becomes a fundamental pillar of treatment. Adherence to medication, along with progressive lifestyle modifications, are essential strategies for protecting the heart muscle and improving hemodynamic function.
Beyond physical recovery, this comprehensive approach provides systemic and psychosocial benefits that facilitate functional readaptation and significantly improve the patient's quality of life.
Risk factors for acute myocardial infarction
The AMI has a multifactorial etiology. There are non-modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) , such as age or sex, but most are modifiable and controllable with appropriate intervention.
– Diabetes mellitus
– High blood pressure
– Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol)
– Smoking
- Obesity
– Sedentarismo
– Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
– Chronic stress or lack of restorative sleep
– Inadequate or inflammatory diets
Cardiac Rehabilitation: an essential treatment after AMI
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a first-line therapeutic tool for post-heart attack patients. It consists of a structured program that includes controlled physical exercise , health education, and psychological support, all under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team.
Aerobic and strength training acts as a true " natural polypill ", providing multiple cardiovascular and metabolic benefits that reduce the risk of new events and improve the overall prognosis of the patient.
Benefits of physical exercise after an acute myocardial infarction
- Optimization of myocardial function: It strengthens the heart muscle and promotes angiogenesis, improving perfusion and ventricular remodeling.
- Hemodynamic control: It helps stabilize heart rate and reduces blood pressure.
- Increased functional capacity: It improves exercise tolerance and lung capacity.
- Antimetabolic effect: It regulates blood glucose and improves insulin sensitivity.
- Cholesterol control: It lowers LDL levels and promotes a healthy lipid profile.
- Reduction of oxidative stress.
- Improved body composition: It facilitates weight control and the reduction of visceral fat.
- Reversing sedentary behavior: It prevents functional decline and promotes mobility.
- Psychosocial benefits: It improves mood, sleep and self-esteem, reducing anxiety and post-heart attack depression.
Secondary prevention after an acute myocardial infarction is not limited to medical control, but constitutes a global strategy aimed at preserving the health of the heart and the patient as a whole.
Cardiac rehabilitation helps protect residual myocardial tissue, reduces the risk of future events, and improves long-term quality of life. Properly prescribed and individualized physical exercise is an essential therapeutic tool for achieving a comprehensive and sustainable recovery.
By Dr. Frank Martínez López, specialist at UICAR