Learning you have heart disease is a major life change. Upon receiving a diagnosis, your healthcare team becomes an important part of your recovery process. Listen to what they say, follow their advice, and make healthy lifestyle changes for the best possible life ahead. In addition, there are steps you can take to protect your heart and overall health and move forward to live your best life:
Know Your Type of Heart Disease
Learn about the type of heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, etc.) you are diagnosed with by your physician. Remember to keep a positive attitude.
Take Charge of Medications
- Take your medications regularly and on time
- Learn what each medication does and why you are taking it
- Set up a system to make it easier to manage medications
Get Involved with Your Healthcare Team
- Talk to your doctors regularly. Be clear about your fears and goals.
- Keep a journal on how you feel at different times throughout the day. Document how medications, diet and exercise make you feel. Share journal entries with your doctor and discuss them.
Learn About Symptoms of Concern
Symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, palpitations, lightheaded, dizziness and depression are important and should never be ignored. If you experience any of them, discuss them with your doctor.
Adjust Your Lifestyle
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Include a variety of fruits & vegetables, low- fat dairy products, whole grains, skinless poultry & fish, and nuts & legumes
- Limit intake of saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, red meat, sweets, and sugar
- Get plenty of exercise
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Live tobacco free
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Manage stress – learn coping techniques
Explore Helpful Personal Technology, such as:
- Home blood pressure monitoring devices
- Wireless scales that record and store your weight over time
- Activity monitors that remind you to stay active
- Heart rate monitors that will alert you if your heart rate exceeds a determined threshold
Stay on Track
- Set and write down realistic goals
- Make one change at a time
- Prepare for setbacks – They happen, just get back on track
Join a Support Group
- Keep up with family and friends.
- Recognize that living with heart disease can be challenging. It can be helpful to join a group of people that are facing the same difficulties.
Written by: Beth Stefura, OSU Extension Educator, Mahoning County. stefura.2@osu.edu
Reviewed by: Jenny Lobb, OSU Extension Educator, Franklin County. lobb.3@osu.edu
References:
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/sites/default/files/publications/06-5716.pdf
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/default.htm
Live Healthy Live Well 