Heart attacks impact about 1 million people every year, and those that survive often face significant lifestyle changes. This is especially true for senior care providers whose patients have suffered a heart attack. The event places a greater emphasis on tailoring care and taking steps to lower the risk of an additional cardiovascular issue.

Perhaps most importantly, senior caregivers need to recognize the important role that diet plays in preventing a second heart attack. In fact, recent research found that even for high-risk individuals, eating a heart-healthy diet reduced their risk of cardiovascular death by about 35 percent.

If they haven’t been already, caregivers should focus on meal preparation for heart attack victims. This includes avoiding foods high in saturated fat and incorporating plenty of vegetables, grains and fish.

Eating right is not the only thing care providers need to consider – they may also be tasked with assisting in medication management. There are a variety of medications used to lower the risk of a second heart attack, from statins to ACE inhibitors, and caregivers are critical in making sure they are taken properly.