CARDIOLOGY
Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease
The controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease are listed below. There are some risk factors that you cannot change, such as older age or a family history of heart disease. You can change or control the ones listed below. Cardiac rehabilitation can help you do this.
- SmokingHigh blood pressureHigh blood cholesterol.Inactive lifestyleOverweight
- Diabetes
How can I get the most out of it?
Research shows that controlling your risk factors for heart disease can help you lead a healthier life.
- Communicate. Ask questions. If you don't understand the answers, keep asking until you do. Report changes in your feelings or symptoms.
- ake charge of your recovery. No one else can do it for you. Your new lifestyle is healthy for your heart, so stick with it - for life.
You may want to have a special diary or calendar just for your rehabilitation. Keep important information, such as appointment times, telephone numbers, etc, where you can find it. If you feel you may be melancholy or depressed, tell your doctor. Some times people who have big changes in their lives feel depressed.
To be an active member of your cardiac rehabilitation team:
- Learn about your heart condition.Learn what you can do to help your heart.Follow the treatment plan.Feel free to ask questions.
- Report symptoms or problems.
What's in it for Me?
he goals of cardiac rehabilitation are different for each patient. To help you to set your personal goals, your cardiac rehabilitation team will look at your general health, your personal heart problem, your risks for future heart problems, your doctor's recommendations, and, of course, your own preferences. Cardiac rehabilitation may reduce your symptoms and your chances of having more heart problems. It has many other benefits.
- Exercise tones your muscles and improves your energy levels and spirits. It helps both your heart and your body to be stronger and to work better.Cardiac rehabilitation may also get you back to work and other activities faster.
- A healthy diet may lower blood cholesterol, control weight, and help prevent or control high blood pressure and other problems such as diabetes. Plus, you will feel better and have more energy.
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