When you were told that you had a heart condition, thoughts and feelings may have occurred so strongly that it was difficult to even hear or remember your physician's words. Or, maybe you weren’t really thinking or feeling much at all. You were just numb for a while. Everyone reacts differently. Some people want to go home and deal with it on their own, and some people want to talk with a loved one as soon as possible. No matter how you initially deal with your diagnosis, it is important that you recognize the role stress may play in your life.  Stress management as described in the first section is vital to helping you and your loved ones deal with your condition.

Learning what you can do about your diagnosis involves gathering as much information as possible. There are countless sources for information that may be provided by your physician's office, local hospital or community programs. Once you have investigated your condition, you will likely have a number of questions and concerns. It may be helpful for you to prepare a list of questions in advance to ask your doctor at your next appointment. 

Learning what can be done also involves talking and sharing with family, friends, co-workers and other people in your life. They will need to hear what you need: Time? Space? Closer attention? Different people need different things, and loved ones cannot read your mind. You should give them guidance as to what works best for you. If you learn that your diagnosis runs in families, then you may need to share your information with extended family members.

Learning what is beyond your control means not feeling guilty about what has already happened. It no longer matters whether you smoked in the past, had a poor diet, delayed seeking treatment or neglected to control your diabetes or blood pressure. Leave the past in the past and begin to focus on the future. You will need your strength and energy for making important lifestyle changes and following your new treatment plan. Do not be afraid to seek the support of others to help you deal with your condition.  Professional counseling may be helpful for some people as they adjust to a new situation such as a medical diagnosis.

In addition, do not ignore the warning signs of stress. You may experience physical signs such as fatigue, upset stomach, weight changes or generalized aches and pains. Emotionally, you may feel angry, depressed or irritable. You may become overly anxious and have problems concentrating or making decisions. It is important for you to recognize these signs and choose healthy behaviors to manage the stress in your life.