New York’s Best Cardiovascular Specialists

Heart disease is a life-changing diagnosis. Life after a heart attack can be one of the most difficult challenges heart patients encounter. If you are going under the knife or recovering from a recent surgery, there are a few things cardiovascular specialists want you to know.

Visit Cardiovascular Specialists: The Emotional Side of Heart Disease

Heart disease not only affects you physically; there is also an emotional toll. Feelings of anger, frustration, fear, and grief are normal. Allowing you to move through these emotions is a healthy part of the acceptance process. Cardiovascular specialists can recommend counseling services for patients struggling with the emotional side of heart disease.

Emotions & Recovery

New research suggests there is a direct link between your emotions and your heart health. This link plays a role in how well patients recoup after surgery.

Negative emotional reactions can jeopardize your recovery:

·         Denial

·         Anxiety

·         Fear

·         Stress

·          Depression

·         Anger

While these responses are normal, prolonged periods of negative emotional “dips” can set off a cycle of stress that has physical side effects.

The Stress Cycle

The easiest way to define the cycle of stress is to think about your body’s fight of flight response. Negative emotions produce a chemical reaction similar to trauma.

Adrenaline is released throughout your body as a response to physical and/or emotional trauma. This chemical causes muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and anxiety. Anxiety triggers the release of more adrenaline and the cycle repeats itself. The quicker you can break the cycle the better your recovery will be.

Recovery Tips:

·        Start slowly, set realistic goals, and accomplish them one at a time; don’t push yourself.

·        Accept that you will make mistakes; its part of the process.

·        Evaluate the changes you’re making and reward yourself with positive reinforcement.

·        Stick to a routine and develop hobbies.

Speak with cardiovascular specialists about a post-surgery treatment protocol that supports your physical and emotional well-being.

Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site.  Call us at (212) 367-8000