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Living Well with Heart Disease

Photo of a woman sitting with friends in the background

Even though you will receive the best available care to treat and manage your heart condition, your heart disease is not curable. Heart disease is a chronic health condition that, like any health problem, will bring uncertainty and changes into your everyday life.

When you first find out that you have heart disease, it is normal to feel uncertain, anxious, or depressed about your health. You may wonder how this is going to change your life.

Research tells us that taking charge of your heart health and staying involved in your health and health care will help you through this adjustment period. Most people will regain their confidence over the few months following diagnosis.

Manage your risk factors:

  • Keep track of your "numbers" and make sure they are on track
  • Keep in touch with your doctor
  • Know your risk factors and learn how to manage them
  • Come to the Heart Health Education Centre and talk to us about any questions you may have

Heart Disease Support Groups

Ottawa Heart Support Group

The Ottawa Heart Support Group is an active group of heart patients dedicated to improving quality of life for themselves, fellow patients and families by sharing experiences and improving awareness and understanding of heart conditions.

Phone: Hugh McDowell at 613-825-2209

Bill Holland at 613-824-9563

Bernie Reynolds-Ridley at 613-729-3481

Email: OttawaHeartSupport@bigfoot.com

Managing Your Medications

When you were diagnosed with heart disease, you probably received a prescription for some new medications. Doing the following things will make it easier to manage your medications:

  • Make sure your doctor knows all the medications you were taking previously so that you can both feel confident you are getting the right prescription.
  • When you receive a prescription, make sure you find out from your doctor:
    • The name of the medication
    • Why it is being prescribed
    • When and how it should be taken
    • How long you will need to take it
    • What side effects you should expect to have
    • What you should do about the side effects
  • When you pick up your prescription, ask your pharmacist to:
    • describe the best way to take the medication
    • explain what is written on the labels
    • provide written information about the medication
  • Carry your medication list with you. Make sure the list includes:
    • All of your medications as well as any vitamins or supplements
    • Your allergies, immunizations, and pharmacy phone number
  • Review the list regularly with your doctor or pharmacist.
    • If you have trouble remembering to take your medications, try the following:
    • Take your medications at regular times each day
    • Associate your medications with daily activities like:
      • brushing your teeth
      • eating meals
      • going to bed
  • Use a pill organizer with different compartments for different times of the day
  • Keep a second bottle in your car or at the office
  • If your medications are too complicated, ask your doctor if something simpler can be prescribed
  • Put a note on your calendar to remind you to pick up your prescription refills
  • Take the medication as it is prescribed by your doctor:
    • If you have concerns about taking medications, discuss them openly and honestly with your doctor
    • Discuss troublesome side effects with your doctor-you may be able to take a different kind of medication
  • If you are worried about the cost of your medication, ask your doctor if a less expensive medication can be substituted, or check with the Ontario Trillium Program for possible assistance:

Getting the Most from Your Follow-up Clinic Appointments

  • When you come to the clinic:
    • Bring your updated medication list and plan to review it with your doctor
    • Make a list of your questions and concerns
    • Bring a family member or friend with you, and have them take notes
    • Ask questions if you are not sure you understand the information
  • Some topics you may want to discuss with your doctor, especially if your condition has required major surgery or any kind of in-hospital procedure:
    • Returning to work or returning to driving
    • Unusual symptoms
    • Changes in medication or medication side effects
    • Limitations in your activity
    • Follow up appointment plans

Planning Your Return to Work

  • In deciding when you can return to work, you and your doctor will consider:
    • How stable your condition is
    • How safe you are to do your job
    • What the licensing requirements are (e.g., for truck drivers or pilots)
    • What the demands of your job are-both physically and mentally
  • What your doctor needs to know about your job:
    • The physical work that you do, including lifting or carrying
    • Whether you use heavy tools, like jackhammers
    • The conditions that you work under; for example, for some people these might be extreme temperatures, poor ventilation, or late hours
    • The amount of job stress you have

If you have it available, take a copy of your job description to your doctor.

Papers You Need When Returning to Work

  • You require a letter from your doctor or a medical certificate or form stating:
    • When you can return to work
    • What you can or cannot do

If your doctor writes "light duty," this needs to be explained: what duties you can perform, what hours you can work, and how long light duty is to continue.

Where to Get Help with Your Questions About Work

  • A vocational counsellor who specializes in work-related issues will be available through your Cardiac Rehabilitation program.
  • There may be help at your workplace, such as through a human resources staff member, an occupational health nurse, or a company doctor.
  • Your family physician may be able to help.