Help Your Heart Cardiac Program

If you are a Gateway member age 21 or older who has congestive heart failure, or had a heart attack, stents or bypass surgery you might like to join the Help Your Heart Program. This program helps you understand how to take care of your heart so you can live a healthy life. This program has specially trained nurses available by phone between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The nurses help you understand what has happened to your heart. They will teach you about a proper diet, exercise and how to take your medicines. They will teach you warning signs to look out for.

Here are a few reminders for managing your heart problems:

• Take your medicine the way your doctor ordered. If you can't, call the office and tell them. Wait to hear from the office before you stop taking your pills.
• Some heart pills have to be stopped over several days. Do not just stop taking a pill. You can have complications if you do. Follow your doctor's directions.
• Make sure you visit your doctor at least twice a year for a check up. If you are admitted to the hospital make an appointment to see your doctor within 2 weeks of discharge.
• Ask your doctor which lab tests you need to control your heart disease.
• Stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke. Get help to quit smoking by calling Pennsylvania's Quitline at 1-800-784-8669 or 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

If you would like more information on the Help Your Heart Program, call 1-800-642-3550 and press #3. The nurses are available Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm by phone.