Empower yourself. Think and act
proactively. Learn about your condition, treatment options, and the steps you can
take
to make your therapy a success. Take responsibility for doing all you can to positively
affect your health.
Choose the right healthcare
provider.
This is one of the most important health decisions you'll make. Ask
friends and health providers for recommendations. Check the healthcare provider's
background. Follow your intuition. Don't go to a healthcare provider if you have doubts
about his or her training, track record, or manner. What's most important is that
you
communicate well and that he or she understands you and your concerns. This may become
a
lifelong relationship.
Make the most of your healthcare
visits.
Write down a list of your concerns before your appointment. Ask your
most important questions first. Make sure you fully understand the answers given.
Ask for explanations if needed.
Follow your healthcare provider's
instructions.
For example, your provider may advise you to quit smoking or stop
using other tobacco products. Or they may advise you to lower your blood pressure
and
cholesterol, and control diabetes. You may be advised to eat a low-fat diet and get
to a
healthy weight. You may need to limit alcohol, reduce stress, and exercise regularly.
Making these lifestyle changes may help make your heart disease better. These may
lower
your chances of a heart attack or stroke. It's important to work with your provider
to
figure out changes that you can make to your life.
Know your medicines. Heart disease is a long-term (chronic)
condition that's treated with different medicines. These medicines keep your blood
pressure and cholesterol under control. The medicines also prevent or ease symptoms.
It's important that you know what medicines you are taking. Know the doses and how
often
you take them. Also know the side effects that are common with certain medicines.
Ask
your healthcare provider what to do if you miss a dose. Ask when you should not take
certain medicines. Ask these same questions any time you are prescribed a new medicine.
Some heart disease medicines can have serious interactions with other medicines. This
could cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Or it could cause your heart medicine
s
not to work as well.