Using these angina management tools, tips and apps can help you reduce the chances of a heart attack or stroke.
1. Know Your Risks of Heart Attack and Stroke
What are your chances of having a heart attack in the next 10 years? Plug your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other health and lifestyle factors into a risk calculator to find out.
If your risk is high, your doctor may review your medications to ensure that they're optimal (reynoldsriskscore.org/home.aspx or hp2010.nhlbihin.net/atpiii/calculator.asp).
2. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
If you want a little extra help in putting together a heart-healthy diet, visit the American Dietetic Association's website (eatright.org) for a host of simple, sensible eating tips and answers to common nutrition questions.
To get expert one-on-one nutrition advice, look for a registered dietitian in your area (eat right.org/public/content.aspx?id=206).
3. Stay motivated with our free angina health diary. Log your exercise time, food choices and more to see how your efforts are moving you toward a healthier heart (HealthCommunities.com/anginatracker)
4. Connect With Others Who Have Angina
Millions of people are currently living with angina and heart disease. Read their stories and share your own (go to heart.org and search for "personal stories").
5. Quit Smoking for Your Heart's Sake
If you have angina and you're still smoking, work toward quitting. It may not be easy, so get expert help—from information on nicotine replacement therapies to free one-on-one counseling sessions (smokefree.gov).
6. Take Action in an Emergency
People with angina are at higher risk of heart attack and cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart stops beating. An easy-to-follow app, Pocket First Aid & CPR, for the iPhone ($4) and for the Android mobile platform ($3), will help you and your loved ones spring into action in the event of an emergency. What's more, it has the official stamp of approval from the American Heart Association (jive.me/apps/firstaid/).
