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As a caregiver, it’s normal to sometimes feel isolated, at a loss and unsure of yourself.

Remember: You’re not alone. Others have been down this same path — and many are willing to share their experience and insights with you.

The ľ¹ÏÖ±²¥ wants to help you, too. The resources below can be helpful as you care for someone who's had a heart event or stroke.

• Communication tips: As a caregiver, you’re called on to communicate with many people. Constructive and effective communication is vital. Use these tips to communicate with your family and health care team.
• Emotional upheaval: As a caregiver, you have to be realistic about what can and can’t be controlled. You can’t control that your loved one has a chronic or progressive disease. You can’t control the impact of that disease. But you can control how you respond to the situation.
• . Are you putting your own health and happiness on hold? Do you ever feel like you’ve “lost yourself” in your many caregiver responsibilities? You're not alone. It can be helpful to connect with those who have experienced the ups and downs of caregiving. They have valuable perspectives to share.
• What is cardiovascular disease? If you’re caring for someone with cardiovascular problems, it helps to know the basics. Learn about the different types of cardiovascular disease and how they affect the body.
• Patient worksheets: View and print these information sheets covering topics such as cardiovascular conditions, lifestyle changes and treatments and tests.
• Order caregiver and other educational brochures: These AHA brochures and information packets can help you better understand all aspects of recovery and care.

Learn more about caring for someone:

• after heart surgery
• after a heart attack
• with heart failure