Many of the emotions you may feel after a heart disease diagnosis are difficult, even unpleasant. But another common feeling is hope. Even people who are very ill say they feel a sense of hope, if only for a moment, an hour or a day.

Learning as much as you can about your condition and treatments is a good way to feel more hopeful.
Visit our Diseases & Conditions Web sites.

Monitor your progress toward your treatment goals and celebrate your achievements. Knowing that you're actively managing your condition can give you hope for improved health.
Track your heart health online with Heart360.

Sharing your experience and advice can also give you hope. Get to know other people with heart conditions, such as someone you met while you were in the hospital. Or introduce yourself to people in the doctor's waiting room or in a supervised cardiac rehab program. Ask them what keeps them going and share your own encouragement.
Read personal stories from other heart survivors.

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 01/09/09.