Caring for Your Heart after a Heart Attack HF#6093

Welcome to Heart and Vascular Care at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. 

 

Learning is very important to your recovery after a heart attack.  During your stay, you will learn about: 

• The heart and how it works.
• Heart disease and related tests and treatments.
• What to expect in the ICU and throughout your stay.
• Your specific risk factors and how to modify them.
• Heart healthy self-care skills – diet and exercise.
• The medicines that you will be taking at home.
• A plan for your follow-up care.
• How to seek emergency care, if you need it.

 

As you learn, feel free to use this book as you choose.  This is YOUR book.  Write notes in it or highlight things that are important to you.  Keep a running list of questions.  Ask your doctors and nurses about those questions and tell us about your concerns and fears.  We want you to be actively involved in making decisions about your health care.

 

We invite family members to learn with you so they can better help you during your recovery at home.  Please talk with your nurse about when is the best time to include others in your learning sessions.

 

Always feel free to share your thoughts and get your questions answered.                                                                                                          Heart and Vascular Care

 

A Note to You and Your Family

 

Visiting Hours               

Primary support persons identified by the patient will generally be able to visit any time during the patient’s stay in the hospital.  Visiting hours for other visitors and guests are from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.  Your nurse will help you juggle your needs for rest and your need to visit.  Please call (608) 263-8715 to arrange for visits in the ICU.  Check in at the nurses’ station each time.

 

Patient Updates             

With your permission, families can get updates on your condition by speaking to the nurse caring for you or by calling the nurses’ station.  Please let us know which person you would like us to speak to.  This person is your spokesperson and can share with others as you wish.  Privacy laws do not allow us to give updates to just anyone who asks. 

 

Family Housing             

If your family is from out of town and wishes to stay in Madison during your stay, we would be happy to help them.  A Housing Accommodations Coordinator (608) 263-0315 can arrange their stay at a discount rate or provide a list of nearby motels.  Shuttles are available.

 

Family Support             

If you wish to see the case manager, social worker, a financial advisor or a chaplain, ask your nurse to get in touch with these resources. 

 

Worship services for patients, families and staff are held in the chapel in the American Family Children’s Hospital on main floor.  Ecumenical worship services are held on Tuesdays at noon.  Catholic masses are held on Sundays at 4 PM, Mondays at 12:05 PM, Tuesdays at 1:20 PM, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 12:05 PM.  To connect with priest, attending mass is a good way to make a referral.  The schedule for worship services is subject to change.  Call Spiritual Care Services at (608) 263-8574 for the most recent worship schedule. 

 

Your Heart and How it Works

 

Your heart is a muscle that is located in your chest.  It is a little larger than your fist and weighs less than a pound.  Your heart pumps blood to the lungs and to all parts of your body.

 

 

The Chambers

 

The heart has four chambers.  A wall (septum) divides the heart into a right side and a left side.  Each side of the heart is divided into two chambers.  The upper chamber of each side is called the atrium.  The lower chamber of each side is called the ventricle.  Valves separate these chambers.

 

The Valves

 

The valves allow the blood to flow in only one direction.  Valves direct the flow of blood through the heart to the lungs and the rest of the body.  There are 4 valves in the heart.

 

The tricuspid valve is between the right chambers of the heart.   The pulmonary valve is between the right ventricle and the blood vessels to the lungs.   The mitral valve is between the left chambers of the heart.   The aortic valve is between the left ventricle and the aorta, the large artery that carries the blood to the body.

 

 

 

How the Heart Works

 

The heart pumps blood through the body.  It carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body so they can survive and do their jobs.  The blood also carries waste products from the cells to the organs that get rid of the waste. 

 

Your heart is a double pump.  The right side pumps blood to your lungs where your blood cells pick up oxygen and then return to the left side of the heart.  The left ventricle pumps blood to your body through the large artery called the aorta.  As the blood circulates, oxygen is removed from your blood so your body can use it.  Blood that no longer has oxygen returns to the right side of the heart through your veins.  This process occurs with each heartbeat.

 

The work of the heart changes with your body’s needs.  When you exercise, your body needs more blood and oxygen.  Your heart must pump harder and faster to send more blood to the body.  When you sleep, less blood and oxygen are needed, and your heart slows down.

 

 

Blood Supply to the Heart

 

The heart muscle itself must receive a constant supply of oxygen.  The blood richest in oxygen is carried through arteries.  These arteries are found on the surface of the heart.  Two main heart (coronary) arteries, a right one and a left one, supply the heart muscle with blood.  They divide into many smaller branches to go into the heart muscle. 

 

Key Points

 

Your heart provides oxygen and nutrients to the body.  To do this:

 

• Your heart valves must be working right. 
• Your heartbeat should be regular. 
• The heart muscle itself needs a good blood supply. 
• Your heart must be able to fill with blood and pump it through the body.

 

Heart Disease

 

Heart disease is disease of the blood vessels (arteries) in the heart.  This is sometimes called coronary artery disease or CAD.  When the blood vessels are blocked, they cannot provide enough oxygen and nutrients to the heart and body.

 

No matter what type of treatment is done, it does not cure heart disease since the treatments do not cure the cause of your disease.  Your long-term heart health depends on how well you change your risk factors for heart disease. 

 

 

Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) is a buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) along the inside wall of the blood vessel.  As the plaque builds up, the artery narrows and blood flow to the muscle is decreased.  When blood flow is decreased to the heart, you may have chest pain, shortness of breath or even a heart attack.  If blood flow in the legs is decreased, leg pain can occur.  Blockage of the arteries to the brain can also cause strokes or mini-strokes called TIAs (transient ischemic attacks).

 

In all these cases, the blood vessels narrow to the point that the tissues are at risk of not getting enough oxygen and nutrients.  We now know that these plaques often rupture.  The body will then form a blood clot that will block blood flow.  If the blood supply isn’t restored, the tissues will die.  Our bodies often warn us of this decreased blood supply to the heart.  When this occurs, you may notice:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Pain radiating your shoulder, arm, joint, or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Other symptoms

 

Having symptoms of heart disease causes fear in some people.  Others merely assume it is heartburn and ignore the problem or deny that something is wrong.

 

Although these are all normal feelings, they can prevent you from getting treatment until it is too late.  Learning about heart disease, how it can be treated, and how to prevent future problems will help you to live with heart disease. 

 

A note for those with diabetes:  People with diabetes may not have pain.  Sometimes they have a vague feeling that something is not right.  Talk with your nurses and doctors about ANY unusual symptoms.

 

Managing Chest Pain

 

The goal is for you to be pain free.  Pain is a sign the heart is not getting enough oxygen.  Medicine can be given to relax the vessels and improve blood flow.  These medicines are only a temporary solution until further tests can be done. 

 

If the pain returns, no matter how slight, tell your nurse. 

Chest pain must be taken care of right away.

 

Tell your doctor or nurse about any pain that won’t go away.  Don’t worry about being a bother.  Pain is a sign there is a problem with your heart.  Your nurse will be asking you often if you are feeling any pain or discomfort. 

 

If you have any pain, you will be asked to describe and rate it based on a 0 to 10 pain scale. 

 

0-10 Number Pain Intensity Scale

__________________________________________________

0        1        2        3        4        5        6        7        8            9        10

No                                           Moderate                                    Worst

Pain                                        Pain                                              Pain

                                                                                                  Possible

 

You will receive nitroglycerin or IV pain medicine to relieve your pain.  Pain medicine may cause you to become drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded.  It can also cause constipation.  Nitroglycerin can cause headaches.  Let your nurse know if you notice these problems.

 

What to Expect While in the Cardiac Medical

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

 

People come to intensive care when they suffer heart problems that need close monitoring and intensive nursing and medical care.  This may include patients who have:

• Severe or unstable heart attacks (myocardial infarctions or MIs)
• Chest pain (angina)
• Water on the lungs (congestive heart failure)
• Severe heart disease
• Irregular heart beats

 

Family and friends can be quite helpful to you and to the staff during your time in the ICU.  They may be able to help staff learn more about you and your health so that we can meet your needs.  This can range from knowing details about your health history to telling us what music helps you to relax.  We want to provide the best care and to help you feel most at ease in our care.

 

While in the ICU and on the general care unit, we closely watch your “intake” and “output.”  Therefore, we ask that family and friends DO NOT bring in food or drink, or empty bedpans and urinals.  Your nurse will keep track of your fluids and will limit the amount of water and other fluids that you drink.  You might be taking water pills (diuretics).  Extra water in the body causes more work for your heart and lungs, so we need to get rid of extra fluid as soon as possible. 

 

For the safety of all patients, you are not able to have flowers at your bedside while in the ICU.

 

Equipment in the ICU and on the General Care Unit

 

While in the ICU, you will always have a heart monitor, an IV and oxygen.  You may also have other equipment during your stay.  This depends on the severity of your heart attack.  The nurses will explain these items to you as they are used. 

 

____ Heart Monitor                  

A heart monitor, which you see above the bed, provides a picture of the heart’s electrical activity before each heartbeat.  The picture on the screen is called an EKG or ECG (electrocardiogram).  The EKG is seen in your room and at the nursing station 24 hours a day.  If the picture changes briefly, don’t be alarmed.  Patient movement or interference can cause irregular EKG patterns that do not involve your heart or safety.

 

____ Oxygen                              

You will receive oxygen either through a facemask or nasal prongs.  Extra oxygen is needed by the heart to maintain healthy tissue.

 

____ Arterial Line                     

The arterial line is like an IV, but is placed in a wrist or leg artery to measure your blood pressure.  Blood samples can be taken from this site without poking you with a needle.

 

____ Swan Ganz                        

A Swan-Ganz catheter is placed into a neck or groin vein and goes into your heart.  It measures how well each chamber in your heart works and helps us make decisions about your treatment.  When your pulse and blood pressure are stable, the Swan-Ganz is taken out.

 

____ Bladder (Foley) Catheter              

A bladder catheter is used to collect urine into a collection bag.  Watching the amount of urine you make helps us to know how well your kidneys are working.  Sometimes patients feel the urge to urinate even though the catheter is in place.  This is normal.

 

____ External Pacemaker            

This is a monitor hooked to large patches placed on your chest and back.  If your heart rate gets too low, the pacemaker can stimulate a heartbeat.  This may be done in an emergency.

 

____ Temporary Pacemaker    

This pacemaker is a box about the size of a transistor radio.  Though placed outside the body, it is attached through the vessel to your heart by small wires.  The pacemaker allows the doctor to change your heart rate as needed.  The wires are taken out when the pacemaker is no longer needed.

 

Tests and Treatments

 

There are many diagnostic tests and treatment for heart disease.  Which tests and treatments are used depends on the type of heart disease you have.  All of the treatments improve blood flow to the heart muscle and decrease your risk of a heart attack or a repeat heart attack.  No matter what type of treatment is done, it does not cure heart disease since the treatments do not cure the cause of your disease.  Your long-term heart health depends on how well you change your risk factors for heart disease.  You and your doctor will choose the test and treatments that are best for you.

 

Common Tests for Heart Disease

 

____ An EKG or ECG (electrocardiogram) records your heart’s electrical impulses.  The EKG is used to find out if your heart rate and rhythm are normal.   It helps your doctor to detect problems or changes with your heart’s rhythm as a result of interrupted blood flow to your heart muscle. 

 

____ An echocardiogram (echo) is an ultrasound that sends sound waves into the chest to bounce off the heart’s walls and valves.  The waves show the shape and movement of the valves on an echocardiogram.  They also show the size of the heart chambers, the pumping strength, and the shape of the valves.  This test doesn’t hurt or pose a risk to people.

 

____ An exercise stress test tells you and your doctor how well your heart is working during activity.  Your doctor may want to know how well your heart works when you work as hard as you can and when you stop.  Before a stress test, you need to stop eating and drinking.

 

A stress test is often done while you walk on a treadmill.  It involves taking pictures of your heart at rest and during exercise.  During the test, you will have an ECG or echo and the staff will watch your blood pressure and heart rate closely.  If you are not able to walk on the treadmill or ride a stationary bike, your doctor may order medicine (Dobutamine®) to exercise the heart. 

 

____ A nuclear stress test may be used along with an exercise stress test or by itself.  This test compares blood flow in the heart at rest to times of activity.  A very small amount of medicine is injected into the bloodstream to trace blood flow during the scan.  This test can help your doctor to detect decreased blood flow due to blockage in the arteries.

 

____ During cardiac catheterization (angiogram), a doctor guides a thin plastic tube into a blood vessel in the arm or leg into the arteries of the heart.  Dye is used to see if there are any blockages.  Before this test, you will be asked to stop eating and drinking fluids.  After the test, you will need to lie flat.  Nurses will check on you often and watch for any signs of bleeding.

 

Common Treatments for Heart Disease

 

____ Diet and exercise are essential to a healthy heart.  They are discussed later in this booklet.  Since we cannot really cure heart disease, diet and exercise are the only ways to reduce the size of the current blockage and prevent further blockage.

 

____ Stopping smoking is a great way to improve your heart health.

 

____ Medicines can increase blood flow to the heart muscle by relaxing the blood vessels in the heart.  They can also decrease your heart rate and blood pressure.  Your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist will discuss these drugs with you.

 

____ Interventional procedures are done to decrease the amount of blockage in the heart.  All are done during the cardiac catheterization.  Each decreases blockage in a different way. 

 

____ A balloon angioplasty (PTCA) compresses the blockage against the walls of the artery. 

 

 

_____ A stent is a small coil that is expanded in the artery to prevent it from reclosing. 

 

 

While none of these procedures can cure heart disease, they may relieve symptoms.  There is always a chance that blockage could return. 

 

____ Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is done to improve the blood flow to the heart muscle.  Surgery can bypass the blockage, which should decrease or stop your chest pain.  Bypass surgery is not a cure for heart disease, but it should improve the quality of your life.

 

 

Transferring to the Nursing Unit

 5F West (F4/5)

 

Patients who have had heart attacks often stay in the hospital for about three days.  This may vary and depends on your diagnosis and other medical complications.  During that time, you will learn about your treatments and what you can do to speed your recovery.

 

Telemetry

A heart monitor (telemetry) is used to watch your heart rhythm closely.  We look at the rhythm to find out if there are any unusual rhythms (arrhythmias).  While in our care, you will have a heart monitor on 24 hours a day.  The monitor includes electrodes, wires, and a monitor pack.  The electrodes are five stickers that are put on the chest.  There is no need to worry if they lose contact with the skin and fall off.  They are easy to replace.  The wires from the monitor pack snap onto the electrodes.  The electrodes then pick up signals and send rhythms to screens in your room and at the nurses’ station.

 

Wearing a heart monitor does not necessarily mean you have to stay in bed.  You can move around in your room and in the hallway, once a nurse tells you it is OK.  Feel free to place the pack in the front pocket of your gown.  It runs on batteries that need to be changed from time to time.  Talk with a nurse before leaving the unit.  Once out of the unit, you may be too far away for the electrical signals to be picked up. 

 

Pain

If you have any pain or discomfort, tell your nurse right away.  She will ask you to rate and describe the pain.  Your blood pressure and pulse will be taken.  An ECG may be done.  This is to evaluate any changes. 

 

Activity

A nurse or member of the cardiac rehabilitation staff will let you know when it is safe for you to get up and about.  Bathing is done at the bedside with the help of a nurse or nursing assistant.  Please help, as you are able.

 

Appetite

You will be on a low fat, low cholesterol diet with no added salt and no caffeine.  A dietitian will teach you about this heart healthy diet.  Be sure to rest at least a half an hour after eating to decrease the workload on your heart. While in the hospital, you will be able to order your own meals using Room Service. 

 

Coping with Changes

 

It is common to notice some changes in your mood and emotions.  You may go from being energized and upbeat to feeling irritable and even a bit depressed.  Your energy level and appetite may also vary at times.

 

As you get stronger and healthier, these changes should occur less often.  In the meantime, try doing things that you enjoy and are within your limits.  Share time with your family and friends and talk about your feelings.  All of these things should help you to recover and to feel more positive about yourself.

 

Some people feel depressed after a heart attack.  If you feel depressed for several days, it is important to call your doctor.  Watch for signs of depression.

 

• Poor appetite
• Trouble sleeping, or sleeping but not really feeling rested
• Trouble focusing or concentrating
• Feelings of sadness
• Trouble regaining interest in others.

 

While these things are not sure signs of depression, they are clues that you may need some help and support. 

 

Living Again

 

It’s normal to feel a little anxious once you go home and fewer people are nearby.  Keep in mind that people do much better when they feel as though they have support.  While it’s not always possible to have someone in your home as you recover, you can do something to feel more supported.  Keep phone numbers of friends and family listed in a convenient place.  When you feel able, call people and have them stop by for short visits.  Take the time to read or enjoy your hobbies.  And, make the most of whatever support you have.

 

Sexual Activity

 

It is common to resume normal sexual activities after a heart attack.  Many people have questions about this.  At first, you may not feel like being close because you may feel you don’t have the energy.  You could be worried about your heart.  Regaining this part of your life is healthy step toward recovery.

 

Follow-up Health Care

 

Your doctor will decide when you are ready to be discharged.  Please arrange to have someone drive you home and be there for you during your first few days of recovery.  A clinic appointment will be made for you to see your cardiologist in 4 to 6 weeks.  Your local doctor will follow any routine health concerns.  You may also be scheduled for follow-up tests to evaluate your heart.

 

When to Call         

Call your local doctor or your UWHC Heart and Vascular Care doctor if you notice:

 

• Weight gain of greater than three to five pounds in a week
• Swelling of your hands or ankles
• Shortness of breath while at rest
• Dizziness
• Chest or arm discomfort (like the chest pain you may have had before)
• A pulse greater than 120 beats per minute or less than 60 beats per minute
• A temperature greater than 101°F (38.3°C) or night sweats
• Feelings of depression

 

Blood Thinners     

Your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner such as PlavixÒor aspirin.  Your nurse or pharmacist will talk with you about taking these medicines. 

 

Driving                   

You will be able to resume driving in ______ weeks.

 

Return to Work       

Patients vary in the time it takes to heal after a heart attack.  When you can return to work and daily routines depends on you and the extent of your heart attack.  Talk with you doctor about what is best for you.  Plan to resume to work in _____ weeks.

 

Medicines

 

You may be taking several medicines after you go home.  You will need to know:

 

• the names of each medicine
• what it does for you and your heart
• how much you take (dosage)
• how often you take it (frequency)

 

A nurse or pharmacist will review your medicines with you before you go home. They will help you to learn about drug reactions and side effects.

 

Do not take other drugs, even over-the-counter drugs,

without checking with your doctor.

 

It is helpful to keep a list of your medicines. We will provide this for you before you go home.  You should update your list as needed---add all new medicines and delete all drugs when they are stopped.  Be sure to bring your list with you when you visit your doctor.

 

Medications used to treat heart attack

 

 

Other considerations

• Take ACE Inhibitor at night if dizziness is a problem.
• Report a cough to your doctor or nurse.
• Blood tests may be needed to check kidney function and potassium levels.
• Report dizziness or lightheadedness to your doctor or nurse.
• Go to an emergency room or call 911 if your tongue swells or if you have more profound shortness of breath.
• Do not take if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; can cause birth defects.

 

Diuretics:  Furosemide (Lasix®), Torsemide (Demadex®), Bumetanide (Bumex®), Metolazone (Zaroxolyn®),

 

How diuretics work

• “Water pills”.
• Help the kidney get rid of extra fluid and sodium.
• Eases the heart’s workload (saving energy).

 

Some common side effects

• Can cause electrolyte imbalance, especially with potassium and magnesium.
• Muscle cramps.
• Dizziness and/or low blood pressure.
• Rash.
• Trouble hearing or ringing in the ears.
• Frequent urination after the dose.

• Gout.

 

Aspirin:  (Bayer®, Halfprin®, Ecotrin® or any brand)

 

How aspirin works

• Prevents platelets from clotting, keeps them slippery.
• Blocks inflammation that is linked to heart disease and stroke.
• A daily aspirin reduces the risk of death or nonfatal heart attack in patients with a history of chest pain or heart attack.

 

Some common side effects

• Nausea/vomiting.
• Rashes.
• Muscles aches.

In high doses, it may upset your stomach lining, and you may be more prone to bleeding.

 

Other considerations

• Look for “enteric” coating to decrease stomach upset.
• If you have never taken aspirin before, and have difficulty breathing or swelling of the face after taking a dose, let your nurse or doctor know right away.
• People with a history of GI bleed or ulcer may still need to take a low dose of aspirin; the benefits for the heart outweigh the risks for the stomach.
• If possible, an aspirin a day should be continued for life.

 

Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor: Clopidogrel Bisulfate  (Plavix®)

 

How Plavix works

• Prevents platelets from clumping together.
• Reduces the chance of a harmful blood clot forming; especially after stent placement (The body views a stent as an injury and attempts to heal it with a blood clot.).
• Is normally taken with aspirin, but prevents clotting in a different way.

 

Some common side effects

• Headache or generalized pain.
• Dizziness.
• Rash.
• May be more prone to bleeding.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor first!
• Plavix® is often prescribed for 3-12 months after a stent is placed, depending on each patient’s risk for clotting.  After the artery has grown a new lining that coats the stent, the risk of clotting decreases. 

 

Cholesterol-lowering medicine: (HMG CoA inhibitor): Simvastatin (Zocor®), Atorvastatin (Lipitor®), Fluvastatin (Lescol®), Lovastatin (Mevacor®), Pravastatin (Pravachol®), Rosuvastatin, (Crestor®)

 

How “Statins” work

• Inhibits HMG co-enzyme A, the enzyme that is the first step in cholesterol production.
• Lower levels of cholesterol – both LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.
• May increase HDL (good cholesterol).
• Helps prevent cholesterol build up in blood vessels.
• Helps stabilize existing plaque.

 

Common side effects

• Headache.
• Abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence – less common if medicine is taken with food.
• Sensitivity to light.

 

Less-common side effects

• In rare occurrences, liver damage may occur.  About 4-6 weeks after starting a statin, doctors will order blood tests to have your liver checked.
• Rarely, deep muscle pain and weakness in the legs – let your doctor know right away.

 

Other considerations:

• Statins do not replace a low fat diet!  It only helps control cholesterol and bring it to a healthier level.
• Take in the evening: cholesterol production is highest between midnight and 5 AM.
• Do not drink grapefruit juice as this can abnormally raise drug levels.
• This drug cannot be taken during pregnancy; use of barrier contraceptives is recommended.
• Periodic blood tests will be done to recheck your cholesterol levels.
• Even if your cholesterol is normal, your cardiologist may start you on a statin to lower cholesterol levels even further to reduce your risk.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor.  If you stop, your blood cholesterol levels may increase again.  Statins are often prescribed for life.

 

Nitrates: Sublingual nitroglycerin (NitroQuick®, Nitrostat®)

 

How nitrates work

• Relax blood vessels to improve the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
• If there is a partial blockage in the arteries feeding the heart, nitroglycerin will improve blood flow.
• Sublingual tablets should not be chewed, crushed or swallowed – it works rapidly when dissolved or “fizzled” under the tongue.
• This medicine usually gives relief in 1 to 5 minutes, but may be repeated two more times (5 minutes apart)
• Do not eat, drink, smoke or use chewing tobacco while a tablet is dissolving.

Some common side effects

• Flushed face or skin.
• Low blood pressure and its symptoms (dizzy, faint, weak) so get up slowly from a lying or sitting position.
• Headache.
• Fast pulse.

 

These possible side effects may go away after several minutes; however, if they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

 

Other considerations

• Do not buy in large quantities; this drug does not store well.  Keep in a dark, dry place, in a dark-colored glass bottle with a tight lid.
• If the pain is still not relieved after 3 tablets (5 minutes apart), go to an emergency room.
• Best if taken if you’re about to start an activity that usually causes chest pain.
• If you take this medicine regularly for several weeks or more, do not suddenly stop using it – check with your doctor for the best way to slowly reduce the amount.
• Be careful in hot weather, exercise, the amount of alcohol you drink, or if standing for a long time.

 

Medications to avoid

 

• Discuss with your doctor.
• Medicines that contain Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), Naproxen (Aleve®).
• Medicines that contain Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®); found in many cough and cold preparations.

 

Herbal supplements to avoid 

 

• Coenzyme Q10—has been shown not to benefit patients with heart failure; it may worsen or cause harm.
• Preparations that contain Ephedra (ma-huang), ephedrine metabolites, Chinese herbs, Hawthorne (cratageus) products.
• Garlic, Ginseng, Gingko and Coenzyme Q-10 may interact with blood thinners.

 

If you are taking any supplements, please discuss them with your doctor or your pharmacist.  There may be other medicines you are taking that could interact with herbal supplements.  Beware of extravagant claims about the benefits of herbals.  Never take them in place of your regular medications.

 

Important Phone Numbers

 

If you have questions about your heart condition or any related services, please call.  Our staff is here to help.

 

Admissions and Insurance Advisors                   (608) 263-8770

 

Patient Business Services (billing)                     (608) 262-2221

 

Cardiology Nurse Case Manager                        (608) 265-8925

 

Cardiovascular Medicine Clinic (at UW Hospital)  (608) 263-1530

 

Cardiac Medical Intensive Care Unit (F4M5)       (608) 263-8715

 

Cardiology Nursing Unit (F4/5)                        (608) 262-4011

 

Hospital Paging Operator                                (608) 262-2122

 

Housing Accommodations                                (608) 263-0315

 

Spiritual Care Services                                    (608) 263-8574

 

Patient Information                                         (608) 263-8590

 

Patient Relations Office                                    (608) 263-8009

 

Preventive Cardiology                                     (608) 263-6630

 

Cardiology Social Work                                     (608) 266-6132

 

 

The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #7055

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 04/10/2013

Copyright © 03/18/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6093

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