There is a life beyond angina, heart attack (myocardial infarction), cardiac procedures (angioplasty, valvuloplasty), and cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass, valve replacement). The choices you make in living with heart disease are yours. Our goal is to help make your lifestyle adjustments become enjoyable habits and reduce any physical limitations you currently may have. You may even exceed activities you participated in prior to your cardiac event.

The team of professionals you will be working with consists of physicians, nurses, physical therapists, dietitians, exercise physiologists, social workers, and psychologists. When needed, additional supporting individuals are available to you. They include pharmacists, occupational therapists, and a vocational counseling.

Your questions are important to us. As you read through this book and questions arise, please address them to one of the CHAMPS team members.

We hope you have an enjoyable, educational, and enlightening experience with us in CHAMPS!

"If you want to live a long and happy life, get a chronic disease and manage it."
      — Oliver Wendall Holmes

Title Page