How do I take care of myself?
The most important thing you can do is keep up with your treatment plan. This may include lifestyle changes and medications. It may also involve a procedure or surgery and the necessary recovery afterward.
Along with treatment, your provider may recommend
cardiac rehab
. A cardiac rehab program is especially helpful for people recovering from a heart attack or living with heart failure. Cardiac rehab can help you with exercise, dietary changes and stress management.
Coronary artery disease and mental health
A CAD diagnosis may make you think about your heart and arteries more than ever before. This can be exhausting and overwhelming. You may worry a lot about your symptoms or what might happen to you. Many people with coronary artery disease experience depression and anxiety. It’s normal to worry when you’re living with a condition that can be life-threatening.
But the worry shouldn’t consume your daily life. You can still live an active, fulfilling life while having heart disease. If your diagnosis is affecting your mental health, talk with a counselor. Find a support group where you can meet people who share your concerns. Don’t feel you need to keep it all inside or be strong for others. CAD is a life-changing diagnosis. It’s OK to devote time to processing it all and figuring out how to feel better, both physically and emotionally.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Your provider will tell you how often you need to come in for testing or follow-ups. You may have appointments with specialists (like a
cardiologist
) in addition to your
primary care
visits.
Call your provider if you:
-
Experience new or changing symptoms.
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Have side effects from your medication.
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Have questions or concerns about your condition or your treatment plan.
When should I go to the ER?
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. These are life-threatening medical emergencies that require immediate care. It may be helpful to print out the symptoms and keep them where you can see them. Also, share the symptoms with your family and friends so they can call 911 for you if needed.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
If your provider hasn’t diagnosed you with coronary artery disease, consider asking:
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What are my risk factors for coronary artery disease?
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What can I do to lower my risk?
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What lifestyle changes are most important for me?
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What medications would lower my risk, and what are the side effects? How long do I need to stay on these medications?
If you have coronary artery disease, some helpful questions include:
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What can I do to slow down disease progression?
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What’s the best treatment plan for me?
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What lifestyle changes should I make?
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What medications do I need, and what are the side effects?
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Will I need a procedure or surgery? What does the recovery look like?
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Are there support groups or resources you can recommend?