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21 tips for less stressful, more effective cardiology visits

Ask questions, take notes, bring a friend: This is all good advice for navigating doctor’s appointments. But there is so much more you can do to make these visits more effective and less stressful, particularly if you’re someone with ongoing medical issues. I put together a guide for heart patients to get the most out of their cardiology visits. theheartdialogues.substack.com/p/congenital-heart-disease-pa... #HeartDisease #CongenitalHeartDisease #CongenitalHeartDefect #Anxiety

21 tips for less stressful, more effective cardiology visits

Advocate for yourself, manage your emotions and get the information you need
2 reactions
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21 tips for less stressful, more effective cardiology visits

Ask questions, take notes, bring a friend: This is all good advice for navigating doctor’s appointments. But there is so much more you can do to make these visits more effective and less stressful, particularly if you’re someone with ongoing medical issues. I put together a guide for heart patients to get the most out of their cardiology visits. theheartdialogues.substack.com/p/congenital-heart-disease-pa... #HeartDisease #CongenitalHeartDisease #CongenitalHeartDefect #Anxiety

21 tips for less stressful, more effective cardiology visits

Advocate for yourself, manage your emotions and get the information you need
2 reactions
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I’m new here!

Hi, my name is CamoGal45. I'm here because I definitely need extra help and someone to talk to at times. Having multiple mental illnesses and just being diagnosed in 2016 is still something my family and I are learning about. Yesterday was a very bad day. I am Bipolar 1 with mixed episodes with several other health issues including mental ones. I was suicidal yesterday kinda for a short period of time out of stupidity. I'm a much stronger person than that but over abundance over past dealth, trama, and if something that is bad news or worse that happens in the same day that one of those past events might've occured is to much for me to handle or try to process in one day. I am married but not happily. I seem to always turn to my male friends when I am in these break downs or when I need to talk period. Trust is a major major issue with me an opening up about anything is too. My 18 year old Son is the reason I live an breath everyday and will now look forward to my first Granddaughter in November/December. Look forward to meeting new people on here and any information an prior experiences that can help me. I know reading some at the very beginning of my diagnosis helped a lot. Also reading things here on the Mighty. The Mighty is definitely a great site and would give it 5 stars. Very informational and gets personal outcomes to help others, which in my opinion is a major start an first step at getting help.

#MightyTogether #Anxiety #Depression #BipolarDisorder #Migraine #PTSD #OCD #Grief #HeartDisease #Arthritis #Schizophrenia #Addiction #PanicAttack #SkinCancer #Diabetes

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I’m new here!

Hi, my name is CamoGal45. I'm here because I definitely need extra help and someone to talk to at times. Having multiple mental illnesses and just being diagnosed in 2016 is still something my family and I are learning about. Yesterday was a very bad day. I am Bipolar 1 with mixed episodes with several other health issues including mental ones. I was suicidal yesterday kinda for a short period of time out of stupidity. I'm a much stronger person than that but over abundance over past dealth, trama, and if something that is bad news or worse that happens in the same day that one of those past events might've occured is to much for me to handle or try to process in one day. I am married but not happily. I seem to always turn to my male friends when I am in these break downs or when I need to talk period. Trust is a major major issue with me an opening up about anything is too. My 18 year old Son is the reason I live an breath everyday and will now look forward to my first Granddaughter in November/December. Look forward to meeting new people on here and any information an prior experiences that can help me. I know reading some at the very beginning of my diagnosis helped a lot. Also reading things here on the Mighty. The Mighty is definitely a great site and would give it 5 stars. Very informational and gets personal outcomes to help others, which in my opinion is a major start an first step at getting help.

#MightyTogether #Anxiety #Depression #BipolarDisorder #Migraine #PTSD #OCD #Grief #HeartDisease #Arthritis #Schizophrenia #Addiction #PanicAttack #SkinCancer #Diabetes

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What types of physical therapy have you tried?

There are so many different types of physical therapies depending on your symptoms and/or specific needs. What is right for you may not be right for someone else, and that's OK.

What types have you tried? Share using either the emojis below or with your own experience!

💖 Orthopedic physical therapy
🌸 Neurological physical therapy
🌻 Geriatric physical therapy
☀️ Pediatric physical therapy
✨ Sports physical therapy
💎 Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
❤️ Woman's health physical therapy
🐞 Other specialized type (aquatic, vestibular rehabilitation, wound care etc.)
🦋 Unconventional types (dance/movement, functional electrical stimulation (FES), yoga etc.)

⭐ Need more insight and information? Check out this article by Mighty staffer @chronicallymeh here: themighty.com/topic/other/types-physical-therapy

#ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #Disability #Caregiving #RareDisease #Migraine #Stroke #CardiovascularDisease #AutonomicDysfunction #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #Spoonie #Lupus #Endometriosis #Cancer #Anxiety #PTSD #CheckInWithMe

Which Type of Physical Therapy Is Best for You?

Maximize your recovery by selecting the right physical therapy for your needs.
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What tips do you have for attending or throwing a wedding with chronic illness?

Living with a chronic illness can be challenging to manage (as we all know very well), but that doesn’t mean it has to stop us from enjoying and celebrating ourselves and the people around us. This enjoyment can include ceremonies like weddings which, depending on the size and place, can be overstimulating or overwhelming for those who experience low energy and high levels of pain.

What tips do you have for attending or throwing a wedding with chronic illness? What has been most helpful for you in managing your symptoms, communicating with others, and planning for the ceremony?

🎂 P.S. Dont know where to start? Check out these tips from Mighty @itselisajeann here: themighty.com/topic/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/attending-weddi...

#ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #Disability #Caregiving #RareDisease #Migraine #Stroke #CardiovascularDisease #AutonomicDysfunction #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #Spoonie #Lupus #Endometriosis #Cancer #Anxiety #PTSD #CheckInWithMe

11 Tips on Making It to the Ceremony: A Wedding Party Guide for Those With Chronic Illness

"I’ve been a spoonie bridesmaid four times."
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What’s a tip you’d share with a student who lives with chronic illness to help them feel ready for the school year?

A new school year is about to begin (or may have already, depending on where you live!) and we want our Mighty students to be ready for success 💪⭐.

What are some tips, advice, or encouragement you would give to someone who lives with chronic illness — regardless of their age? How can they prepare themselves, while keeping their health in mind, for a new school year?

Share your advice with us in the comments below 📝, we might use it in a Mighty article!

#ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #Disability #Caregiving #RareDisease #Migraine #Stroke #CardiovascularDisease #AutonomicDysfunction #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #Spoonie #Lupus #Endometriosis
#Cancers #Anxiety #PTSD #CheckInWithMe

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What’s been your experience with hair loss?

It’s National Hair Loss Awareness Month, Mighties! To raise awareness about conditions where people may experience hair loss (like alopecia or trichotillomania), let’s share our stories and experiences.

If you can relate, what has it been like for you? What advice, tips, validation, or encouragement would you give to others in the same boat?

💌 P.S. You are definitely not alone if you experience hair loss as someone with chronic illness or as a side effect of medication. Want to read a story by someone who gets it? Check out this article by @samantha-moss :
themighty.com/topic/chronic-illness/hair-loss-woman-chronic-illness

#ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #Disability #Caregiving #RareDisease #Migraine #Stroke #CardiovascularDisease #AutonomicDysfunction #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #Spoonie #Lupus #Endometriosis
#Cancer #Anxiety #PTSD #CheckInWithMe

Why Hair Loss Due to Chronic Illness Matters

"It's OK to grieve."
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Sleep Tips: What Helps You Sleep?

What is the purpose and value of sleep?
Without it, it would be impossible to function properly. Sleep is one of the most important activities the body uses to take care of itself. Though the absolute existential and biological reasons for sleep are not fully known, there is mounting evidence that sleep helps us with the following:
* Recuperate physically and mentally
* Conserve energy vital for all basic human functioning
* Maintain equilibrium in all biological processes
* Supports critical brain function
* Deep Sleep = Deep Healing
Scientists have discovered that sleep may be a secret elixir that can cure or reduce risk of dementia. How? Sleep is like a fascinating vacuuming system that clears the brain from toxic protein tangles called beta amyloid, a stronger biological marker for dementia.
How do we sleep?
Your sleep consists of two major phases: non-rapid eye movement sleep (which consists of three stages: Stage 1, 2, and 3) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Each stage is important for several biological processes. Specifically, Stage 3, marked by slow wave sleep, is linked with biological recuperative and restoration processes.
However, your sleep is much more than these biological processes and stages. Don’t just focus on how much sleep you get but rather the quality, timing (when you sleep), efficiency, consistency of sleep time, and how satisfied you are after sleeping—which are all important in determining if you are getting “good, healthy sleep.”
How does sleep affect our overall health and wellness?
It’s no secret that sleep can affect our physical and mental well-being. In fact, healthy sleep duration can reduce risk for:
* Cancer
* Heart disease
* Dementia
* Mental illness
* Respiratory disease
* Inflammation
* Reduced immune function
In addition to our well-being, healthy sleep improves brain function (such as concentration and memory), mood, quality of life, libido, and even your level of attraction. One of the strongest evidence for the benefits of sleep is seen in its ability to reduce the risk for heart disease. Sleep is linked with lowering of blood pressure and glucose levels during the night, reducing risk for hypertension and diabetes.
How can we get better sleep?
While there is no one-size-fits-all sleep routine, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for better sleep at night.
Tips for preparing for better sleep
* Avoid heavy meals 2 hours before bed.
* Avoid exercise 2-3 hours before bed.
* Avoid bright lights at least 30 minutes before bed. Turn off the TV and other electronic devices, and be mindful of blue light from mobile devices and excessively bright LED lights.
* Try to keep a consistent bedtime routine or schedule. Try to keep both the time you go to sleep and the activities you do before bed the same.
* Avoid any stressful or emotional conversations before going to bed.
* Avoid naps, especially too close to bedtime. Sometimes, a power nap is a great way to recharge your energy during the day. But if it’s the late afternoon or early evening, consider how laying down to rest could impact your ability to fall asleep later in the night.
* Avoid stressful activities 30 minutes before bed. Yes, this includes doing work! Instead, aim to work a calming activity such as reading into your night routine.
* Ensure your sleep environment is conducive and a sanctuary for sleep.
* Take a warm shower before bed. This can be a soothing step of your bedtime routine that may help you feel more restful once you jump into bed.
* Dress in loose clothing. There’s nothing worse than feeling restrained by tight clothing while trying to get comfortable for sleep. Wearing loose clothing for bed promotes better circulation and will allow your skin to breathe at night.
What should we do if we can’t fall asleep at night?
Sometimes, even with a good night routine and sleep preparation, our bodies just won’t let us doze off.
Here are 7 tips that may help you fall asleep
* If you don’t fall asleep within 15-20 minutes, get out of bed. This may seem like a strange recommendation since your bed is the very place where you want to fall asleep. However, get up and try to wind down in other ways before you climb back under the sheets.
* Avoid reaching for your smartphone. As mentioned earlier, blue light from mobile devices and excessively bright LED lights can block natural melatonin production and make it harder for you to fall asleep. Instead of aimlessly scrolling through social media in the middle of the night, try reading a relaxing book for 15-20 minutes instead.
* Drink a cup of hot decaf tea. The soothing effect can help to fall asleep.
* Meditate or practice mindfulness. Breathing exercises can help clear your mind and calm your body.
* Too much ambient noise around? Try a sound machine or soothing sleep story. If you’re having trouble falling asleep due to surrounding noises, you may find sounds like soothing ocean waves or raindrops calming. Research has also shown that sound machines and white noise can help.
* Ensure room temperature is 60 to 67 degrees F. Your body's temperature naturally decreases during sleep. So, a cool but not cold, room will help you better settle into and maintain sleep throughout the night
* Try a hot shower or bath. A hot shower or bath can cool and relax your body, which are ideal to induce sleep.

If you’ve been having a hard time getting to sleep lately, I hope these tips make you feel more ready to crawl into bed and catch some z’s!

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How do you manage your health symptoms in the heat?

Northern Hemisphere Mighties, has anyone else noticed how hot it’s been getting outside?!

In the past few months, temperatures have been rising drastically, breaking records highs due to climate change and the UN secretary General Antonio Guterres says we’re moving from an era of "global warming" to an era of "global boiling" 😵‍💫.

How is everyone holding up in this heat? How are you managing your health symptoms? What’s helping you to stay cool?

✅ P.S. Need some more info and helpful tips on the subject? Check out this article by our newest staff member @chronicallymeh
themighty.com/topic/mental-health/strategies-cope-rising-wor...

#ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #Disability #Caregiving #RareDisease #Migraine #Stroke #CardiovascularDisease #AutonomicDysfunction #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #Spoonie #Lupus #Endometriosis #Cancer #Anxiety #PTSD #CheckInWithMe

12 Strategies to Stay Safe in a Boiling World

In all the apocalyptic movies made on climate change, one thing is clear — global warming is survival concern. I’ve seen glaciers melting, floods wiping out towns, mega-storms, people running from lav
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