Management after a first myocardial infarction.

Treadmill exercise testing is the most important risk-stratifying technique, because of its ability to assess residual ischemia, left ventricular dysfunction, and a tendency toward arrhythmias. Cessation of smoking is the most important lifestyle change. Among prophylactic medications, aspirin can be considered for most patients, beta-blockers for many, and ACE inhibitors for some.