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Things I (Re) Learned After My Heart Attack

Author: Kenneth M. Koch, M.D.
Clinic: Como/Roseville Clinic

View more Articles by this Physician

It has been about a year and a half since my most unexpected heart attack at age 44.  I'd like to share a few thoughts:  Most people who have health problems have no risk factors - in other words, not having a family history of an illness doesn't protect against that illness.

• Even though I recommend 81 mg of aspirin each day to all my male patients I hadn't been taking it myself.
• Eating a healthy diet All the time is really hard. Our American diet with HUGE servings and lots of tasty unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates make good choices very difficult. Everything that I eat has to be a conscious choice.
•  An hour of exercise a day needs to be scheduled like any other important appointment.
•  Daily medications are expensive, they all have minor side effects, and they are easy to forget—pill boxes are a great help.

Even an "expert" like me has needed as lot of help. My doctor, my cardiac rehab team, my physical therapist, my psychologist, my family have all been critical in my recovery.

Talk to your MinnHealth doctor we are here to help YOU!