Not everyone who has had a heart attack needs open-heart surgery, such as a bypass operation.

Over the long term, your quality of life is tied to how severe your heart attack was and how it was treated. Beyond that, any change will depend largely on you.

Most Americans survive a first heart attack. By taking action, however, they can significantly reduce their chances for a second heart attack.

Technology has given us the automated external defibrillator (AED), which is turning up far from hospitals. Some schools and public buildings already have AEDs.

Some symptoms may indicate the possibility of a serious condition and should be evaluated immediately by a health care provider.