How TO USE THIS GUIDE Living Well with Heart Disease is written for adults with coronary artery disease. But your care partners, family and friends will find it helpful too. Coronary artery disease can lead to: • Chest pain (angina) • Heart attack (myocardial infarction) • Sudden stopping of the heart (cardiac arrest) “When I first faced heart disease, I really felt like my body had betrayed me. It took me a long time to feel confident again. A guide like this will help people in the early days.” ~ Sandra You may feel worried and afraid. These are normal feelings. You may also have questions, such as: • Why did this happen to me? • How will this change my life? • What can I eat?
• Can I be physically active? • What are these medications for? • What about my future? • Where can I go for more information or for help to get better? This guide answers your questions and gives you tools to help your recovery. There is even space for you to write down your ideas and questions. You can read Living Well with Heart Disease from cover to cover, or you can just look at the parts you need when you need them. Share the guide with family, friends and your healthcare team (the health professionals who are helping you). Knowing how you are doing will help them to support you.
Join our online survivor community for the latest research news, information, tips and strategies to help you manage your recovery. Visit heartandstroke.ca/connect to receive the Supporting Your Recovery e-newsletter. IV | Heart and Stroke Foundation