Does Someone You Love Have Heart Disease?

Heart disease…a phrase that can causes fear not only to the one diagnosed with it but also to the loved ones of that person. The heart is not an organ to be messed with. Quite simply, its health or lack thereof has great impact on your whole body and quality of life.
Whether the diagnosis is high blood pressure or something more serious such as a heart attack or stroke, you cannot ignore it, and constantly hope that it goes away. Your loved one is no doubt shaken and stressed by the diagnosis. Most immediately, they need support as they face sudden changes in their lifestyle.
Support can come in many ways. Some will need more than others; so it is important to be sensitive to the needs and emotions of your loved one.

Here are some ways to help:
• If they allow you, attend doctor’s appointments with them. Sometimes, two sets of ears are better than one. Often in the stress of an appointment, your loved one might not always remember everything that is said.
• Gather information and look for resources available for them. Do not bombard or overwhelm them with what you find out, but as they are willing to listen, share what you have found.
• Support the lifestyle changes they may be faced with.
o If you are a smoker and they are asked to quit, the best thing you can do for them and for yourself too, is to quit. If quitting is not something you are prepared to do at this time, make sure you keep cigarettes out of sight, and do not smoke around them.
o Volunteer to take walks with them or join them in an activity like dancing. Exercise is more fun when it is done together.
o Eating healthy will benefit everyone, not just the one diagnosed with heart disease. Together you can try out new foods and recipes. Maybe go to a heart-smart cooking class with them.

Showing your loved one that you support them not just with words but with your actions can go a long way to helping them accept the changes. Nagging or constantly reminding them of what they are doing wrong will most likely lead to failure in their attempts to manage their condition.
A person is never too young to start taking care of his/her heart. If the person diagnosed with heart disease is your spouse, get your whole family involved. Educating your children or even grandchildren about healthy living at a young age will help them continue those healthy habits into their adult lives. Learning when young to avoid the habits of smoking, inactivity, and bad food choices can mean they have a much bigger chance of avoiding the risks and complications of heart disease.
Love the people in your life enough to do what you can to protect their hearts. Heart disease claims too many lives; do not let one of them be your loved one.