In early 2008, my mother's side of the family was struck with the terrifying news that each of us could be stricken with a relatively rare heart defect called Long QT Syndrome--a type of arrhythmia that can cause the heart to stop beating spontaneously.
The revelation came when my aunt had an "episode"--her heart stopped, and while she was able to be resuscitated, it still induced panic in all of us, especially as we began to be tested and face the results individually.
I tell you this because I know precisely how it feels to face cardiac troubles that could threaten your very life. But you don't have to go through it alone. Let this advice guide you through this difficult time.
First off, try not to panic. Stressing over the situation will invariably put more strain on your heart, potentially aggravating the problem. Whenever you are inclined to dwell on how frightened you may feel, seek out an activity that either allows you to release pent up tension or completely unwind. Meditation--focusing on emptying your mind and breathing deeply--is a great way to let go of thoughts that are troubling you.
Be open in your communication with friends and family members. That doesn't mean you need to tell them everything; it just means that if you DON'T want to talk about it, tell them so (gently, of course). Look for support groups for your particular condition. Your doctor may be able to recommend one to you, but if not, you can use the internet or find a personal counselor that will point you in the right direction.
Regardless of your financial or insurance situation, you deserve the best care available to you. Especially when it comes to cardiac disorders, you need specialists to attend to you and recommend the right medications and/or procedures.
Don't be afraid to seek a second or third opinion if their advice doesn't sit right with you. Don't accept treatment without question--you deserve explanations and logical reasoning. Learn everything you can about your condition from reliable sources, including pamphlets, doctors, nurses, and reputable internet sites.
In situations involving heart-related diseases or disorders, you can't always take your time in taking action. Weigh the risks against the benefits carefully, but don't allow yourself to be pressured into a decision. Make sure that you trust your surgeon and that s/he has a great track record. Ask plenty of questions, but do follow your doctor's instructions carefully after the fact. Report any problems or side effects right away.
Heart problems are not necessarily a death sentence. Modern medicine saves dozens of lives each day, so hang in there and take care of yourself.
Author Resource:-
The Heart Surgery Program is about minimally invasive heart surgery NYU is a nationally recognized leader in advanced treatments and technologies for both adult and congenital heart disease. (http://cardiac-surgery.med.nyu.edu/)
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