What reactions should I expect after being diagnosed with heart disease?

• Shock, disbelief, denial: Immediately after your diagnosis, you may have a hard time acknowledging your condition. It's tough to be told you have heart disease -- it's a new and unwelcome companion to your life.
• Anxiety, anger and depression: People often struggle to take on new daily routines. Some people feel newly vulnerable. Some people have bothersome thoughts that make it hard to have a helpful outlook, such as "Why me?" or "What if?"

Fortunately, most people find that these feelings gradually go away. In fact, such feelings seem to be part of the normal healing process. As physical health improves, so do emotions and attitudes.