

However, for the vast majority of the time, the patient will be managing their condition on their own, and with support from family and friends. Support, care and treatment from formal health and social care services will be a crucial part of that long-term management. If you’re living with a heart condition, you may wish to make changes, either major or minor, to your lifestyle. However, for most patients, it will change the way they live their life. the need for changes after a heart attackįor some people, an episode of living with a heart condition may be short-lived.Although these can seem similar, it’s vital that you only take your own medications and don’t stop these without medical advice.Īs well as discussing with your health professional, you can get more information on your medications from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland on: There are many types of medications that may be prescribed. This can be challenging for some people, especially if you have never had to take medications before. You may have been prescribed medications for a heart condition. You may be asked to have an ECG (electrocardiogram) taken and sometimes additional assessments made in more specialised situations. Hospital assessments will be booked as required. Read Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s guide to visiting the doctor Hospital assessments This is a good time for you to ask any questions.

Usually, you’ll have annual blood tests taken, and this may be more frequent, especially after initial drug treatments. You’ll also be asked about your lifestyle, symptoms, and mental health and wellbeing. You’ll be asked general health questions, have your pulse and blood pressure readings taken, and your weight (and sometimes waist) measured. It’s very important to continue to attend any appointments - these are a very useful way of keeping an eye on how you are, your overall health and your heart condition. You may see a cardiologist regularly and this may become less often as time goes by, or you may see different health professionals, including your GP.

Read more from British Heart Foundation Continuing to manage your heart conditionĭepending on your heart condition and individual circumstances, ongoing follow up and review will vary. Read Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s What happens in the first few days after a heart attack. You can find out where your nearest cardiac rehabilitation programme is by visiting Cardiac Rehabilitation or by phoning the British Heart Foundation Heart Helpline on 03.

make changes to your lifestyle to protect your heart.recover from your procedure, surgery or heart attack.These sessions will give you and your family the information, support and advice you need to get back to everyday life as well as possible. Some programmes take place in a hospital or community setting. angina or heart failure (for some people).You should be offered rehabilitation if you’ve had: You should also be invited to join a cardiac rehabilitation programme starting about four to eight weeks after you leave hospital. Our mental wellbeing information - for high-quality, trustworthy information on different aspects of mental health and wellbeingĪ member of the cardiac rehabilitation team may visit you in hospital and give you information about your condition, the treatment you’ve had and your recovery.Breathing Space - free, confidential phone and web-based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland - for information on stress and anxiety.
#HEART TO HEART PRO LIFE PROFESSIONAL#
Your healthcare professional (including your GP or cardiac rehabilitation nurse) will be able to help assess any concerns you have regarding your psychological wellbeing.įor more information regarding the types of treatment options for stress, see: These conditions not only affect your emotional state but can also impact on your symptoms of heart disease.įortunately, there are effective treatments for depression and anxiety available, including psychological interventions such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medication.Īddressing these problems will make it easier to follow your heart disease treatment plan. Problems such as depression and anxiety are especially common. You may experience various types of emotional distress or behavioural disturbance. Coping after a diagnosis of heart disease
#HEART TO HEART PRO LIFE HOW TO#
Living with a heart condition can mean coming to terms with what’s happened and how different aspects of your life may be affected.įor how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, see reducing the risks to your heart.
