Resources for Heart Health

Living with heart disease means making a lot of changes. You're likely to have a range of new feelings to deal with. Reach out to the people close to you. Also, support groups can provide helpful advice.

Family and Friends

You may have concerns about making changes in your life. Talk over your feelings with someone you trust. Family and friends often want to help but may not know how. Ask a friend to go to the store with you and pick out healthy foods. Be clear about any physical limits you have, such as limiting the distance you can walk. Support from friends and family not only feels good, it's a great stress reducer.

Resources

• Your cardiac rehabilitation program and local hospital or clinic

• American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation www.aacvpr.org

• American Diabetes Association 800-342-2383 www.diabetes.org

• American Heart Association 800-242-8721 www.americanheart.org

• Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 301-592-8573 www.nhlbi.nih.org

• WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease 202-728-7199 www.womenheart.org

• The member services department of your health insurance plan

• The medical benefits department, human resources department, or wellness center at your workplace

• An Internet or library search on heart disease, cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, or stroke