Cardiac Support Programs

Purpose of Cardiac Support Programs

Our programs are designed to support women through every stage of their recovery, offering psychological guidance, up-to-date medical information, education on medical self-advocacy, stress management techniques, and resilience-building strategies.

Managing stress improves recovery outcomes.

The International Stress Management Program, created by Sheryl Martin and Dr. Angela Cassola (PhD in Health & Prevention), is designed to empower patients with practical tools for managing stress after a cardiac event. Sheryl brings expertise in psychology and research, ensuring a well-rounded approach. Grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the program addresses the physiological, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral impacts of stress. Participants explore lifestyle changes, develop personalized action plans for optimal recovery, engage in a creative resilience-building art exercise, and learn effective medical self-advocacy. The interactive format fosters open discussion, allowing patients to share their experiences and challenges throughout their recovery journey.

The program is eight-weeks for one hour each week on zoom.

Cardiology referrals encouraged! Over 600 patients have participated in Her Heart Sounds Stress Management Program with a satisfaction rate of above 90% based on a post-program survey.

International Stress Management Programs

Stress Management Program for all cardiac conditions

Thursdays 2 pm EDT or 8 pm EDT

SCAD Stress Management Program

Tuesdays 2 pm EDT or 8 pm EDT. Next program begins October 6th. Taking registrations now.

Register for all programs by clicking the "Register" button above.

There is a small $25 program fee to assist with covering part of the cost of the program. If you are unable to afford the program at this time the $25 program fee can be waived at your request. You may choose to pay the fee here: Program Fee

Global SCAD Education & Support Program

The Global SCAD Education & Support Program is 90 minutes with a 30-minute Q & A. The zoom program is provided every two months. The program provides comprehensive information regarding SCAD including what SCAD is, information about FMD (fibromuscular dysplasia), medications, physical limitations, emotions experienced after SCAD, family communication, and how to live your life to improve recovery. Closed caption available in various languages.

The next program will be November 6th on Friday. You may choose the 2 pm EDT program or the 8 pm EDT program. The program is open to SCAD patients, family and friends!

Patient Liaison Service

Please contact us if you need cardiac condition information, assistance with medical advocacy including medical record review, psychological support and referrals. We schedule a zoom meeting or a phone call to support you and to create an action plan for optimal recovery. This service is free and available to women who have experienced cardiac events, and for men who have experienced SCAD.

Request Service

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome -POTS Support Group

Due to the increasing number of young women diagnosed with POTS which can be debilitating both physically and psychologically, Her Heart Sounds has developed a virtual POTS Support Group.

Contact

New PRograms

Resilient Return to Work Program

Returning to work after a cardiac event can be challenging. Her Heart Sounds’ Resilient Return to Work Program provides women recovering from heart attacks, including SCAD, and other cardiac events with the tools, guidance, and support needed to rebuild confidence, strength, resilience, and renewed purpose. Four meetings a month to create an action plan whether accommodations are needed, you are changing to a different position or seeking another career option. The program provides follow-up meetings to check in with you to see if you need additional support. Registrations now open!

Her Heart Sounds is pleased to announce this program was made possible through an independent grant from Merck & Co., Inc.

Program Contribution

A $50 participant contribution helps support the cost of delivering the Resilient Return to Work Program and encourages commitment to the program experience. Her Heart Sounds is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances are not a barrier to participation. Fee waivers are available upon request.