Strong emotions are natural and typical at times of adjustment like this one. Talk to your family, friends and health care team. Know that, with time, you'll feel more in control and less stressed.

Your emotions

When you are worried about the health of your heart, you may feel angry, anxious, fearful, or find you have problems concentrating. You may also feel tearful, emotional or depressed. It's important for you and your loved ones to realize that these are normal feelings for you right now.

As your recovery continues, these feelings will likely lessen and eventually go away. If you or your loved ones are uncomfortable or worried about how you feel, or if you think your feelings are not improving as quickly as you'd like, talk with your health care team.

It isn't easy to adjust to having heart problems. It isn't easy to adjust to new lifestyle changes and, it isn't easy to adjust to new demands. Along with trying to accept your health diagnosis, you're facing special challenges:

learning new ways to shop and cook
having to plan your meals more carefully than ever
trying to find time in your schedule for regular exercise
asking family and friends to help with household chores and transportation
easing off at work
worrying about finances

This is no doubt a time of challenge and change in your life.