Secondary prevention is the control of risk factors in order to avoid another cardiac event (mostly heart attack) after you have already had one.

Some risk factors for heart disease are beyond your control: 

• Age - Men older than 45, women older than 55.
• Family history of heart disease, especially if it occurred before the age of 60.
• A previous heart attack or stroke.

However, other risk factors can be controlled or prevented: 

• Cigarette smoking/tobacco use.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Physical inactivity.
• Obesity.
• Diabetes.

It is very important to control any risk factors you have to prevent another heart attack. Your doctor can help you develop a plan to do this.