Doctors Hospital of Laredo is starting a support group for people coping with heart-related illnesses and conditions. The meetings will be led by Cardiologist Ralph Nimchan, MD — who believes that offering this opportunity to learn and share will make a meaningful difference for people in the community.
Q: Who is invited?
The group is open to anyone affected by heart disease, including patients, friends and family members, as well as those who have been impacted by the death of a loved one due to heart disease. You do not need to be a patient of Doctors Hospital to attend.
Q: Why is this group being started?
Support groups can make a big difference for patients. We’ve seen it with our cancer and bariatric surgery groups. We want to offer this same resource to heart patients, who often face significant, lifelong health challenges. It’s a way for patients to get help, at no financial cost, in a supportive setting.
Q: What will the group entail?
The goal is to meet monthly and discuss different topics at each session, such as: diet, the disease process, exercise and medications. Guest speakers and patients will share experiences and help direct attendees to helpful resources and information.
Q: What should patients know about cardiac rehab?
Cardiac rehab plays a vital role in recovery from heart attack and heart surgery. It can also be an effective therapy to address risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Many people with heart-related conditions are unsure about exercise and other steps they should take to stay healthy. Through this support group, we hope to answer those questions and give people the support and information they need to achieve better lifelong heart health. Before starting an exercise program, consult your physician.