Understanding CAD: finding support

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If you have coronary artery disease, you may be working with several different health care providers to manage your condition.

Understanding your care team and the roles they play can help you get the support you need to keep your coronary artery disease in check.

You may be working with a cardiologist. These are doctors who have gone to medical school and received specialized training

in the treatment of diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system. In addition to a cardiologist, you might also be working with a cardiac rehabilitation rehab

specialist. A cardiac rehab specialist has completed at least a bachelor's degree and is trained and certified

in treating people with heart problems like coronary artery disease. Cardiologists and cardiac rehab specialists

also work on cardiac rehab teams, which may include nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and specialists in nutrition, exercise,

and mental health. These health professionals will help you develop a customized program that meets your needs. Cardiac rehab is a program for anyone recovering

from a heart attack, heart failure, or other heart problems that required surgery or medical care.

It's a supervised program that includes physical activity, counseling to find ways to relieve stress and improve

mental health, and education about how to live healthier, like eating better, taking medicine as prescribed, and ways to help you quit smoking.

Cardiac rehab can have many short and long term health benefits, which can ultimately help you improve your quality of life

and prevent another cardiac event from happening. Learning how to coordinate your care with your care team and other sources of support can help

you manage your coronary artery disease better. Of course, you'll find support in other areas too. Your friends, your family, and your community