Have a heart for your heart

Empowering patients with knowledge about their heart condition is crucial for improving health outcomes. Clear, accessible education enables individuals to manage their diagnosis effectively, adopt healthier lifestyles, and prevent future issues, writes Dr Ravindranath Reddy D R

Educating patients about their heart condition not only empowers them but also significantly improves their health outcomes. Providing clear, accessible information is essential to help patients understand their diagnosis, manage their condition, and prevent future issues.

Understanding the diagnosis

A heart condition diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Patients often have pressing questions such as, “What caused my heart disease?”, “What treatment options do I have?”, and “How can I prevent further heart problems?” These questions highlight the need for clear, patient-centred explanations.

It’s crucial to explain the diagnosis, heart function, and specific condition in simple terms. Avoiding complex medical jargon helps patients grasp the nature of their illness and feel more in control of their health. This understanding lays the foundation for more effective management and engagement in their care.

Incorporating medical advice into daily life can be challenging for patients. Offering practical, actionable tips can make a significant difference. For example:

Monitor symptoms: Encourage patients to keep a daily log of symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. This helps them recognise patterns and provides valuable information for follow-up visits.

Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Advise patients to reduce sodium, saturated fats, and processed foods while increasing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Providing simple, heart-healthy recipes can help make these dietary changes more manageable.

Engage in regular exercise: Physical activity is vital for heart health. Low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming are great starting points, with intensity gradually increasing as tolerated.

Manage stress: Chronic stress can worsen heart conditions. Recommend mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises to help patients manage stress more effectively.

Stay informed about medications: Patients should understand the purpose, dosage, and potential side effects of their medications. Encourage them to maintain an updated medication list and use reminders to ensure adherence.

Preventing recurrence: Patient education isn’t only about managing current conditions — it’s also about preventing future heart problems. Patients should be aware of key risk factors and how to mitigate them.

Control BP & cholesterol: Regular monitoring and following prescribed treatments is crucial.

Quit smoking: Provide resources and support for smoking cessation, as it can have a profound impact on heart health.

Maintain a healthy weight: Guide patients in managing their weight through proper diet and exercise to reduce heart strain.

Attend regular check-ups: Encourage patients to stick to follow-up appointments for ongoing monitoring and early detection of any potential issues.

Leveraging technology to empower patients

Technology presents new opportunities for patient education and engagement. Mobile health apps, telemedicine, and online support groups provide continuous support, making it easier for patients to stay informed and communicate with healthcare providers. These tools allow for real-time adjustments to treatment plans and provide an added layer of accessibility for those needing guidance between visits.

(The author is HOD & senior consultant in interventional cardiology.)