Cardiovascular Disease Programs

The Foundation’s Shared Decision-Making® programs on cardiovascular disease.

Options for Managing Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Sometimes blockages in the arteries limit the flow of blood to your limbs, typically causing pain in your legs; this is called peripheral artery disease (PAD). There are several ways to treat PAD and the right choice has a lot to do with a person’s preferences. To help individuals with PAD work with their doctor to decide which treatment is best for them, the Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Treatment Choices for Peripheral Artery Disease. Continue reading →

Posted in Cardiovascular Disease Programs | Tagged cardiac rehabilitation, cilostazol, intermittent claudication, leg angioplasty, leg bypass surgery, PAD, pentoxifylline, peripheral arterial disease, peripheral artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, Shared Decision-Making® programs, supervised treadmill exercise, vascular specialist, walking program | Permalink

Living with Heart Failure

If the heart is not pumping blood as well as it should, the symptoms can impact quality of life. A big factor in the severity of symptoms is how well one manages the condition. To help people better manage heart failure and prevent some of the problems it can cause, the Informed Medical Decisions Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Living with Heart Failure: Helping Your Heart Day-to-Day. Continue reading →

Posted in Cardiovascular Disease Programs | Tagged CHF, congestive heart failure, defibrillator, diuretics, fluid in the lungs, heart failure, ICD, low-sodium diet, pacemaker, Shared Decision-Making® programs, sodium salt, symptom response plan, water pills | Permalink

Making Decisions about Heart Tests

It’s a common situation: a doctor recommends that a patient get a heart test. What do these tests show? How do you know if such a test is right for you? To explain the reasons for different heart tests and to help patients choose the right test, the Informed Medical Decisions Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Heart Tests: Learning About Your Choices. Continue reading →

Posted in Cardiovascular Disease Programs | Tagged angiography, cardiac catherization, chest pain, CT scan, EKG, heart disease, Shared Decision-Making® programs, stress test | Permalink

Living with Coronary Heart Disease

A diagnosis of heart disease is life-changing. So, what is the best way to live longer and better manage your symptoms? To answer these questions, the Informed Medical Decisions Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Living with Coronary Heart Disease. Continue reading →

Posted in Cardiovascular Disease Programs, Chronic Condition Programs | Tagged chest pain, cholesterol, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart disease, high blood pressure, quit smoking, Shared Decision-Making® programs | Permalink

Treatment Choices for Carotid Artery Disease

When most individuals hear the words “carotid endarterectomy,” they have no idea what the words mean. But if a doctor tells you that you’re a candidate for this procedure, then it is time to learn. To help individuals understand carotid disease and navigate the treatment options, the Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Treatment Choices for Carotid Artery Disease. Continue reading →

Posted in Cardiovascular Disease Programs | Tagged carotid, carotid artery, carotid stenting, carotid surgery, endarterectomy, Shared Decision-Making® programs | Permalink

Treatment Choices for Stable Angina

Heart disease can be a scary diagnosis. Luckily there are many treatments available for coronary artery disease to help improve symptoms and prevent heart attacks. To help people decide which treatment is right for them, the Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Treatment Choices for Coronary Artery Disease. Continue reading →