9 Things Your Doctor Wants You to Know About Heart Disease

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
  • portrait-of-smiling-doctor
    Get the Inside Scoop
    Do you ever wish you knew what your doctor was really thinking? Need no-nonsense advice on how to take care of yourself? If you have heart disease, it can be confusing knowing how to best manage your condition. Here’s the inside scoop from three cardiologists.
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    1. “It’s time to commit.”
    Eating right, exercising regularly, and stopping smoking are proven ways to slow progression of heart disease and prolong life. “Leading a healthy lifestyle is important for everyone. But if you have heart disease, it’s no longer a choice,” explains Erin O’Malley Tysko, MD. “Although it may be difficult, it’s vital that you find the time and motivation to make real change.”
  • Walking
    2. “Pace yourself with lifestyle changes.”
    When it comes to eating right and exercising, every small success counts. Pace yourself and begin by taking baby steps. Try to cut down on your sugar intake. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Take a walk every day. “Consistency, not intensity or perfection, is most important,” says Vincent Vivona, DO.
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    3. “Drugs really do help.”
    Many people with heart disease are hesitant to take drugs. But doctors want you to know that it’s OK—even necessary—to take your medication. “If you have heart disease, there are some drugs you just need to take,” says Christine Lawless, MD. “They can significantly improve long-term outcomes and help you feel better.”
  • Dangers of Very High Trigylcerides
    4. “Speak up about side effects.”
    Every medication has side effects. But if they affect your life more than you can tolerate, tell your doctor. “If you’re experiencing medication side effects, don’t just live with them,” says Dr. Vivona. “Oftentimes, we can adjust medications to reduce problems.”
  • Taking medication
    5. “Never stop taking your medications.”
    Is your blood pressure consistently at normal levels? Congratulations! But don’t stop taking your meds. “Some people believe that if they feel better or reach a health goal, they no longer need medication. But usually, it’s because the drug is working,” says Dr. Tysko. “If you stop taking heart disease drugs abruptly, it can put you at higher risk of heart attack, heart failure, or stroke.”
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    6. “Follow through on your treatment.”
    Just as you should take your medication, you should also follow your doctor’s treatment plan regarding testing. “If your doctor orders tests, follow through and get them,” says Dr. Lawless. “Some patients are skeptical about our motives. But we prescribe testing only when necessary.”
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    7. “Some supplements may be harmful.”
    Many people take supplements or try natural remedies to improve their health. But even seemingly innocent vitamins (think vitamin C) could negatively affect your heart disease. “Supplements can interact with heart disease medications, making them less effective,” says Dr. Vivona. “Before you take them, talk with your doctor.” That gives him or her a chance to warn you about potential issues.
  • Man sleeping in bed
    8. “Treat other health conditions, too.”
    Treating heart disease is important, but you can sabotage your efforts by ignoring other health conditions. “Many heart disease patients also suffer from sleep apnea, but they don’t want to treat it,” says Dr. Tysko. “Untreated sleep apnea puts stress on the heart, causing damage over time.”
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    9. “Don’t assume you’re disabled.”
    Life isn’t over after a heart disease diagnosis. In fact, for many, it’s just beginning. “Just because you’ve had a heart attack or other cardiac event doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work or participate in life,” says Dr. Lawless. “Look at former Vice President Dick Cheney. He took on one of the most stressful jobs in our country and has led a healthy life for 40 years after having an early heart attack.”
9 Things Your Doctor Wants You to Know About Heart Disease
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Last Review Date: 2020 Sep 17
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.