Living With Coronary Heart Disease

Living With Coronary Heart Disease

Living with coronary heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease) means accepting both the disease as well as the way it is going to affect your life. Technically, coronary heart disease can be treated but cannot be cured. However, being compliant with the treatment plan and making healthy lifestyle changes are necessary to improve the quality of life, survival rate, and lead a near-normal life.

Adhering to the following measures is essential to control the risk factors and reduce the recurrence of symptoms of heart disease: 

• Be compliant with the treatment
• Take your medication regularly even if you feel better
• Do not stop taking the medication until your doctor advises to do so
• See your cardiologist regularly 
• Adapt to the healthy lifestyle changes
• Consume a healthy and balanced diet or consult a dietitian to prepare a personalized diet plan
• Be physically active. Ask your doctor about the physical activity that is suitable for you
• Stop smoking
• Keep a check on body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
• Manage stress
• Get enough sleep
• Practice meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques

Know the warning signs 

Chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and heart attack are the warning signs of coronary heart disease. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these signs or even if you feel unwell. 

Cardiac rehabilitation program

Many people who survived heart disease or heart attack or who have undergone surgery to treat heart disease resume a normal life after successfully participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program. The main aim of the program is to prevent the recurrence or worsening of the condition.

This program focuses on exercise training, education on heart-healthy living (teaching heart-healthy habits, controlling risk factors, and coping with the challenges), and counseling to manage stress. Learning these measures helps to start an active life with strength and confidence.

Every patient with a history of heart disease is not suitable for this program. So, the healthcare team evaluates your health condition based on the medical history, physical exam, and other assessment tests before advising you to join a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Inputs by Dr. Sanjeev Kalkekar, Consultant, Interventional Cardiology at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai