Becoming Your Own Health Care Advocate: A Focus on Cardiovascular Care

February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease and the importance of identifying and managing heart-related health conditions.

In the United States, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups, a fact fewer than half of U.S. adults are aware of, according to the American Heart Association. This underscores a critical public health challenge that demands urgent attention as cardiovascular diseases continue to affect millions globally: the need for individuals to become their own health care advocates is now more vital than ever.

In our careers and relationships, we often advocate for ourselves by setting boundaries, negotiating for better opportunities, and ensuring our voices are heard. These skills are essential in maintaining our professional and personal well-being; they are also critical when it comes to our health, particularly in managing chronic conditions like heart disease. Just as we negotiate for what we deserve in our careers, we should also expect and demand the highest standard of care for our health.

Medical advancements alone don’t ensure that life-saving technologies and therapies reach needed populations. It’s not enough to develop and distribute innovative treatments?or?increase the adoption of new therapies and techniques. We also need to double down on medical education, access, and patient advocacy.

Individuals with heart disease diagnoses can take several steps to take control of their health journey.?This includes understanding their health conditions, communicating effectively with healthcare professionals, and making informed decisions.

Be Informed: Understanding Cardiovascular Disease

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease. This alarming statistic highlights the urgency of awareness, education, and proactive health management.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, age, family history, and lifestyle can all increase your risk of heart disease. More importantly, gender differences reveal that women often experience different symptoms and responses to treatment than men, making personalized care essential. Despite the prevalence of cardiovascular disease among women, awareness is low, with 26% of women not having heard of any of the most common heart-related conditions such as coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, and heart valve disease.

Along with medical societies and healthcare providers, Medtronic also offers a variety of informative educational resources to help patients better understand their diagnosis and treatment options. This includes an interactive toolkit that provides materials and resources such as videos and printable tools to help patients with aortic stenosis understand how to navigate their next steps.

Being informed about heart disease is a powerful tool in self-advocacy. By understanding its prevalence, recognizing risk factors, and prioritizing early detection and management, people can take significant strides in protecting their cardiovascular health. This knowledge not only equips individuals to engage in meaningful discussions with healthcare providers but also inspires a proactive approach to their overall well-being.

Be Proactive: Championing Patient Advocacy

Managing heart disease involves more than just personal awareness; it also includes the role of patient advocacy in shaping health outcomes. Research consistently shows that patients who are involved in their healthcare decision-making process generally experience better health outcomes compared to those who are not actively involved. This includes asking questions, seeking second opinions, and requesting clear explanations of treatment options from healthcare providers.

By championing your own healthcare needs, asking questions, ensuring your voice is heard, and actively participating in decisions regarding your treatment, you can significantly enhance your health outcomes. Watch our video featuring three patients with aortic stenosis, the most common heart valve disease affecting more than 1.5 million Americans. They spoke up, listened to their heart, and sought treatment, helping them get back to an active life.

Advocating for oneself is not just about navigating the healthcare system – it is about empowering oneself to live a healthier, more informed life.?

Be Prepared: Owning Your Health Journey

Taking ownership of one’s health today has been revolutionized through a wide variety of health apps and wearable technology. Documenting symptoms, medication schedules, and lifestyle changes allows patients to track progress and recognize patterns or triggers related to their heart health. These tools provide real-time insights so patients can make data-informed decisions.

Patients can also create a comprehensive health profile that includes their medical history, current medications, and family health background. That can be an invaluable resource for medical appointments, ensuring that all relevant information is readily available to healthcare providers.

Taking ownership of your individual health journey puts the power back in your own hands, where it belongs.

The bottom line

By applying the same assertiveness that we use to advocate for ourselves in our careers and relationships, we can champion our health journey, ensuring that our needs and preferences are prioritized in our care. This transformation into being our own proactive health advocates can lead to improved outcomes and a greater sense of empowerment in our lives – allowing us to live our best, healthiest lives.