Coronary Artery Disease
Healthy Living Guide

Staying healthy and feeling good is important to you. By understanding your condition and taking steps to avoid problems, you can often feel better, be healthier, and live longer. If you have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD), there's lots you can do to protect your heart and your health. Here are some steps that you can take on your own, and some you and your doctor can take together.

On Your Own…

Take your medication exactly as directed. If you think your medications are causing problems or you are concerned with side effects, talk to your doctor before making any changes. Your doctor may be able to lower your doses or substitute medications that are causing problems.

If you smoke, stop! Nicotine patches, certain prescription medications, and several other treatments can improve your chances of successfully quitting smoking. If you're trying to quit, ask your doctor for advice, and call a Health Coach for support.

With your doctor's guidance, develop an exercise routine. Exercise will improve your ability to perform everyday chores, and it is good for your heart. You can start slowly, and try to build exercise into your daily routine. Talk to your doctor about a plan that's right for you.

Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. But try to avoid foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as cheese, fatty meats, and fast food.

Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can make moving and breathing more challenging. It can also contribute to heart disease.

Watch out for depression. People with ongoing illnesses like CAD are at risk for depression, so tell your doctor if you have been feeling down.

At the Doctor's Office…

Check that you are taking all the appropriate medication. Most people with CAD can benefit from:

• low-dose aspirin,
  
• a beta-blocker, and
  
• a statin.

If you're not already taking all these medications, ask your doctor if they are right for you. And ask about an ACE inhibitor, too.

Develop a response plan. Many people with CAD feel well much of the time. But when symptoms occur, such as chest pain or discomfort, it's important to know what to do. Ask your doctor what symptoms to watch out for, and what to do if they occur. Early treatment can prevent damage to your heart, so call 9-1-1 if you are unsure about your symptoms.

Ask about your cholesterol level. It's important to know what your cholesterol level is, what it should be, and what you can do to get it there. Many people with CAD need to change their diet and take a cholesterol- lowering medicine (such as a statin).

Ask if your blood pressure is OK. High blood pressure can contribute to heart disease, so it's important that it be checked at each visit and treated if it's high. Some experts suggest that it be kept below 140/90.

Get vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia. These illnesses can be especially hard on people with CAD.

Taking steps to manage your CAD will make a big difference. For support and answers to your questions, call a Health Coach today.