Films are notoriously unrealistic about how heart attacks play out. Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania found that in 12 movie scenes involving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, 67% of the characters survived.

In real life, however, fewer than 10% do. (That number goes up to around 29% when EMT or passersby administer life-saving techniques).

As for second heart attacks, movies almost completely ignore them.

Unfortunately, lots of people don't dodge second heart attacks. About 20% who had a first heart attack will be readmitted to the hospital for a second one within five years.

Here are five smart steps to slash your risk of recurrence:

1. Do cardiac rehab (usually three times weekly for three months). It reduces the risk of a second attack in the first two years by 47%. But fewer than 20% of folks who've had a first heart attack enroll in a cardiac rehab program. Be smart and go.

2. Take medicines as prescribed. A daily aspirin, for example, cuts your recurrence risk by 31%, and if you do have a second heart attack, the meds reduce the severity. Our motto: Take prescribed medications as if your life depended on it — because it does.

3. Opt for a plant-based diet with fish and skinless poultry as side dishes.

4. Get support from a therapist, a support group, friends, and family to protect yourself from post-heart-attack PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

5. Contact your doctor right away if any symptoms, even minor or passing, return.