According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with coronary artery disease or CAD, you probably have a lot of questions.There are resources available to help you better understand your disease, the medications you might be asked to take and how CAD will effect your life.
Help With Life Style Changes
CAD can not be cured, and once you are diagnosed you are at risk for additional vascular complications including heart attack and stroke. The good news is that CAD can be successfully managed but you will be a major factor in the success of your program. Expect to be asked to quit smoking, loose weight, get nutritional guidance to change your diet, possibly participate in cardiac rehab and perform specific heart supportive exercise. Your local hospital and your cardiologists have access to information that can help. Call the social worker at your hospital and ask to learn about their cardiac rehab and exercise programs. Ask if the hospital has a support group where you can meet others with your diagnosis who will understand what you are facing. Inquire about access to the hospital dietitian who can help you learn about heart healthy nutrition.
Nutrition Education
Changing your eating habits can be a challenge, but this is an important step in being the CEO of your life with heart disease. According to The American Heart Association, you should be eating 4.5 cups per day of fruits and vegetables, fish, at least two 3.5 ounce servings per week, at least three 1-oz. servings a day of fiber rich whole grans, and no more that 450 calories per week of beverages sweetened with sugar. In addition, you should have four servings of nuts, seed and beans, no more that two servings per week of processed meats and avoid saturated fats. The AHA has local programs available for nutritional and other counseling. To find a program in your area, call 800-242-8721.
Medication Assistance
If you are un or under insured, many pharmaceutical companies are willing to help with the cost of your heart medication or, if you qualify, provide it free of charge in some instances. There are on line resources that can help you learn more about the programs available. Ask your cardiologist, pharmacist, health plan if you are insured or call the manufacturer of the medication you are taking to determine if there is a program you may quality for. Your hospital's pharmacy may also have additional information.
Assistance From Your Health Plan
If you are a member of an HMO or Health Maintenance Organization, call your member services toll free number - it is located on your ID card. Ask if they have case management programs for members with CAD. If they do, request more information about the program. Basically, a nurse will be assigned to help you navigate your treatment. provide support and guidance and act as your advocate. Some of the case management programs also provide free devices such as mini blood pressure monitoring equipment for home use.
Help On The Job
Not all employees suffering with heart disease will require help at work. But if your job entails tasks that exacerbate your condition, there are changes that can be made at work to help you complete your tasks with consideration given to your cardiac status. The experts at the Job Accommodation Network suggest that you may have certain protections under Title 1 of the Americans With Disabilities Act or the ADA. Some suggested accommodations for individuals with heart disease include reduced physical exertion, flexible work schedule, use of ergonomic work tools and a reserved parking space close to the entrance of your job. Work with your employer and your doctor to determine what actions may be helpful for you.
References
- Patient Assistance: Helping Uninsured Patients Get Medication: Frequently Asked Questions
- American Heart Association: Nutrition Center: Healthy Diet Goals
- Focused Health Solutions: Coronary Artery Disease
- Job Accommodation Network: Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employees with Heart Conditions
- Journal American Society of Nutrition: Participation in Food Assistance Programs Modifies the Relation of Food Insecurity with Weight and Depression in Elders
- Montana Cardiovascular Health Program
