How do you minimize the damage to the heart from myocardial infarction?

Early and late: Early on best way to limit damage is restore flow. Either with lytics, angioplasty or bypass. Later damage is reduced by agressive risk factor modification. Keep BP and suger and cholesterol, at optimal levels. No smoking!. Taking pills like beta blockers ace inhibitors, statins and antiplatelet therapy also helps. Exercise is key to long term survival and quality of life.