FAQs

Vein Disease FAQs

How do I know if I have vein disease?

• If your legs ache or feel heavy, if they have swelling or cramping, your varicose veins may warrant an evaluation. A simple ultrasound will assess your vein health and determine if treatment can help you.

Are varicose veins only a cosmetic problem?

• Although varicose veins are typically unsightly, they are recognized as a true medical condition. Often, varicose veins are an indication of underlying venous insufficiency, which can lead to swelling, clots, and infection. Early vein treatment can prevent these problems.

Can I afford treatment?

• Yes, since vein disease is considered a medical condition, treatment is covered by most insurances.

Is treatment painful?

• No, but there may be some minor discomfort which is limited.

What is the recovery time for procedures?

• Recovery times differ from patient to patient, but in most cases patients return to normal activities the very next day! Compression stockings for 1-2 days are sometimes recommended.

Heart Attack Recovery FAQs

What treatments will I need?

Treatments for heart attack patients include medications, lifestyle changes and, in some cases, surgical procedures. Your doctor may also run some diagnostic tests to determine how much your heart was damaged and what degree of coronary artery disease you have.

How long will I need to rest after my heart attack?

Rest is important after a heart attack, but it’s just as important for you to participate in recreation and social events and to begin making physical activity a part of your daily life. In many cases doctors will recommend that survivors get more physical activity than they got before their heart attack. A good night’s rest is especially important for heart attack patients. And if you feel tired during the day, take a nap or a short rest. Heart patients should rest before they get too tired. Your doctor will tell you what’s best for your specific situation, but most heart attack patients find they have plenty of energy for both work and leisure activities.

When can I go back to work?

Most heart attack patients go back to work within two weeks to three months depending on the severity of the heart attack. Your doctor will determine when you can go back and if your current job is suitable for a person who has had a heart attack.

Is it normal to feel so depressed?

Heart attack patients will feel a wide range of emotions, typically for about two to six months after the event. Depression is quite normal, along with fear and anger. For example, every time you feel a little pain, you may feel afraid it’s going to happen again — afraid you’re going to die. That’s normal and will begin to pass as time goes by. You may be angry that this happened, and you’re probably feeling irritated and have a “short fuse” with others. Resentment is common after a heart attack. Try to understand that your family and friends are just as worried as you are. Although depression is normal after a heart attack, if it interferes with sleeping, eating, self-esteem, or if you have thoughts of suicide, you should talk to your doctor and those close to you about your feelings. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Recovery is much faster with a trusted support team of healthcare professionals, family and friends.

How will my family feel?

Your heart attack has probably had a big emotional impact on your family. They may feel frightened, angry, resentful or even guilty. Teenagers are especially sensitive and may think that something they did caused you to have the heart attack. It’s better for everyone to get his or her feelings out in the open. Don’t let feelings smolder — that can be destructive. If you think counseling would help your family deal with your heart attack more quickly, ask your doctor to refer you to someone for help.

Is chest pain normal after a heart attack?

Once you’ve had a heart attack, you’re at higher risk for another one. Not everyone who has CHD will have chest pain (angina pectoris or unstable angina), but if you do, it should be a light pain or pressure in your chest that quickly goes away. It will typically happen during or right after physical exertion, intense emotion or eating a heavy meal. If you’re having ANY chest pains, tell your doctor. There are exercises and medication that can help ease or prevent the pain. If you don’t know if your chest pain is angina or a heart attack, call 9-1-1.

Why is cardiac rehabilitation important?

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to get into a cardiac rehabilitation program where everything you need to get and stay healthy is in one convenient location. Rehabilitation programs are medically supervised to help you improve your health and well-being and change your lifestyle habits through exercise training, education and counseling to reduce stress. These programs often take place at a hospital with a rehabilitation team or with the help of your doctor, nurse, dietitian or other healthcare professionals. Ask your doctor whether cardiac rehab can help you improve your health

Physical Activity FAQs

Is physical activity safe for people with heart problems?

For most heart patients, physical activity is not only safe, it’s part of the treatment! Be sure to talk with your doctor before you start your physical activity program and follow the doctor’s advice. The doctor may want you to have an exercise stress test to help determine a safe level of activity for you.

What if I can’t find time to engage in physical activities?

Break up your physical activity into a few short sessions throughout the day. Other things you can do include

• Enjoy physical activity on weekend days, when you may have more time.
• Consider buying a secondhand stationary bike or treadmill so you can be physically active while you watch TV.
• Plan your physical activity schedule for the entire week and mark off the time on your calendar.

Can people with heart disease lift weights?

Yes, most people with heart disease can lift weights. But if you had surgery, it’s important for you not to push, pull or twist or lift more than five pounds for up to six weeks after your procedure. You can start with weights weighing about one pound and work up to heavier weights as you get stronger. 

How can I include more physical activity in my life?

You can add physical activity to your daily life in many ways:

• If you have a desk job, use your coffee breaks to take five- to 10-minute walks.
• In parking lots, park your car as far away as you can.
• Use a pedometer to count how many steps you take each day. Some health and fitness experts recommend increasing your daily step count by 1,000 steps each week until you reach 10,000 steps a day.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.
• Find more ways to include physical activity in your day.