Your heart care team: Nurse practitioner

Nurse practitioners play an important role in patient care. Besides performing some tests and providing general nursing care, they also provide education, information and counseling.

Nurse practitioners are trained to...

educate you about your particular condition
advise you about what kind of food plan you should follow, including helping you make good choices at the grocery store and in restaurants
support you if you're trying to stop smoking by giving you advice about different quit methods
help you come up with an exercise plan that you can fit into your schedule
talk with you about any stress or depression you may be having as a result of your condition, and refer you to a mental health professional if necessary

When you're feeling like you need information and advice, your nurse practitioner is often the first person you should turn to. If you would benefit more from talking with a different type of health care provider, such as a primary care doctor, cardiologist or dietician, your nurse practitioner will point you in the right direction.