Rather, patients and their families need to work actively at managing it. You and your family will collaborate with a physician and other healthcare professionals for months and even years to come. They'll rely on you to follow their recommendations about medication, diet, exercise and lifestyle, and then report back on progress made and any problems encountered. They'll also depend on you for information about symptoms and any changes in the condition. The input you give will directly influence any decisions about changing or adjusting treatments.
Real patients share their experiences.
Here Emotional health plays an important role in physical health, especially with heart failure. Consult a psychiatrist or other mental health professional if you need help dealing with stress, anxiety or depression. If you need advice on financial, legal and family issues, ask the healthcare team to refer you to a social worker or case manager. They also can assist with finding outside help for household tasks and deciding whether or not to go to a nursing home or retirement community. Learn the basics for controlling your risk factors and tracking your progress toward better health.