TEEN ZONE
Support

Specialist Nurses, Cardiac
How the nurse specialist can help you

Information for you
If you would like more information about your heart condition we can provide written details and diagrams or can arrange to meet with you personally to discuss this.

Information for others
If you have local health professionals, such as School Nurses, Community Nurses or family doctors, involved in your care, we would be happy to provide them with information about your heart condition and related issues.

Exercise
You may be unsure about levels of activity suitable for your type of heart condition. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this further.

Need to ask questions?
If there are any issues about your heart condition, or care, which you are not sure about we could discuss these with your Consultant on your behalf.

School / College / Uni help?
We can provide information for School Nurses regarding general health issues which may be influenced by your heart condition. Eg immunisations, smoking, contraception.

Driving
For most young people having a heart condition does not prevent them from holding a driving license. However, if you have an irregular heart rhythm, or have been fitted with a pacemaker, the Driving Vehicle License Authority will need to be informed and provision of medical information may be necessary.

Other Agencies
We can put you in touch with other agencies

• Social Workers - who can offer advice regarding benefits which may be available to young people with heart conditions (?link to own area).
• Support Groups - there are specialist support groups for young people with heart conditions such as GUCH, who provide information and support for young people and adults who were born with a heart condition, and their families. Their website is : http://www.guch.demon.co.uk/

Careers
Most career options are open to young people with heart conditions. However, if you have physical limitations, there are specialist career advisors, who have experience working with people with heart problems, based in local career offices.

Family Planning
There are various methods of contraception available, but not all are suitable for women with heart conditions. Ask your Cardiologist or Specialist Nurse, if you are unsure, or discuss this with your GP or family planning clinic, giving them details of your heart condition. In some types of heart condition there may be risks to the patient, or the child, during pregnancy. It is important to discuss this with your cardiologist before you consider pregnancy.

Just want to talk?
There may be times when you feel that you would like to talk to someone outside of the family. Please contact us and we can arrange to meet up, either at your home or at the hospital.

I don't know what to say?!
If your school, college, employer is asking for advice regarding your heart condition, please contact us as we can provide written information or even visit the school, if more appropriate.

Ring the specialist nurse 0113 392 5467

or email ccns.LGI@leedsth.nhs.uk

Updated Winter 08/09