Heart disease: Information for carers and family
A family member being affected by heart disease can be a great worry to those closest. Often, carers and family members feel they do not have enough information to help them through this worrying time.
The family has been scared and worried by what has happened to their loved one. This means they will want to protect and help in any way they can.
However, over-protectiveness can make the person feel that they are an invalid which is the opposite of how they should be thinking, in order to make a good recovery back to fitness. A gradual paced return to normal activities has to happen over a period of time. It is not a case of sitting still until time passes. Of course there are variations in the degree of someone’s health before and after a heart attack, so it is also important to be realistic about the future.
It can also be frustrating and irritating for the person to have people running around after them, which might make them feel guilty about creating extra work.
Sometimes the person tries to pretend nothing has happened and that there is nothing wrong with them. They may attempt to get back to ‘normal’ too soon. This can cause problems for their long-term recovery as a paced, gradual return to activity is essential.
Share the facts and talk about what happened openly. This reduces tension and allows unfounded fears to be dealt with.
This section is designed especially for people who have someone close to them affected by heart disease. It is unlikely that everything in this section will be relevant for you so pick out the parts that you find most useful.
For more detailed information about the living with different heart conditions, visit the sections below:
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Preventing heart disease
Provides details on ways to reduce the risk of heart disease through healthy living and by being aware of any risk factors.
Topics cover the effects of smoking, cholesterol, obesity, alcohol intake and diet.
Go to "Preventing heart disease"
Symptoms of heart disease
Provides information about the symptoms for the different types of heart disease.
Go to "Symptoms of heart disease"
Tests & investigations for heart disease
There are many types of tests which can help diagnose heart disease. This section provides details of these.
Go to "Tests & investigations for heart disease"
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Treatments for heart disease
There are many different treatments, depending on the type of heart disease. This section provides details on these.
Go to "Treatments for heart disease"
Cardiac rehabilitation
Information about the cardiac rehabilitation programme offered in the NHS Tayside region
Go to "Cardiac rehabilitation"
Living with heart disease
Information about living with heart disease. Topics include managing symptoms through lifestyle changes medication.
Go to "Living with heart disease"
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Last updated: 23/11/2007