Ways To Manage And Treat Heart Valve Disease

Managing Stress

With frequent doctor's appointments, daily medications, and the potential need for surgery, patients with heart valve conditions often cope with large amounts of stress. Managing stress in a healthy way empowers patients and their families to live their best lives. Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are not uncommon in heart valve disease patients, and they should always talk with their doctors about any stress or other concerns they are facing. To learn healthy coping mechanisms and ways to reduce stress, patients may wish to read self-help books or online psychological resources. If these do not help with alleviating stress, patients should seek professional help through group or individual sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist. These professionals are trained to help patients cope with a variety of life situations. At home, it is important that patients allow themselves time to enjoy their favorite hobbies or other pleasant activities such as reading, watching television, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones.