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A simple program to make sure the diagnosis is right

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Related conditions
- Cardiac arrest
- Atrial fibrillation
- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart attack
- Congestive heart failure
- Heart murmur
- Pericarditis
- High blood pressure
- Angina
- Aneurysm, aortic
- Arrhythmias

Guided imagery

Researchers have found that music can make for a more relaxed environment, help manage pain by releasing endorphins (the body's natural painkillers) and decrease anxiety. Music can calm or stimulate the brain and has been shown to enhance end-of-life care.

Its use has been shown to be effective in pediatric, coronary, obstetric and surgical settings.

What is guided imagery?

Guided imagery is simply a form of focused relaxation that includes soft music and narration. It provides a helpful strategy to enhance a person's ability to cope during stressful times such as calming pres-surgery jitters and post-surgery discomfort.

St. Luke's offers pre-recorded Guided Imagery cassette tapes and CDs at no cost to our cardiac surgery patients. They ca be obtained from the Test Center located on the 2nd floor in the Galleria. Additional tapes an CDs are available for dale from the Gift Shop and from the Karen Yontz Women's Cardiac Awareness Center. The Karen Yontz Center (414) 649-5767 will mail the tapes or CDs to you postage free.

How does the program work?

The program includes two cassette tapes or one CD. Tape 1 is a combination of Guided Imagery words and music; tape 2 is music only. The CD has two tracks with Guided Imagery and one track with music only. Patients listen to the tapes/CD when it is most convenient for them. There are no optimal or recommended times, but they should try to allot at least 20 minutes twice daily when interruptions can be kept to a minimum.

Patients should begin listening to the tapes/CD as soon as possible, preferably several days before their surgery or procedure. Detailed directions will be given to the patient when they pick-up their tapes/CD from the Test Center.

What if the patient does not have a cassette player?

If cardiac patients are interested in this program but do not have a cassette player, Cardiac Services has a few cassette players available for check-out with a refundable deposit of $25. (No CD players are available at this time.) Contact Sharon Kuether at 414-385-2403 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. A check is the preferable method of deposit; however, cash will also be accepted. A receipt will be given and the deposit refunded upon return of the cassette player.

Guided imagery - a powerful tool

Music can be a powerful antidote to pain and mental stress. Many of our patients find listening to these tapes comforting even after going home. We hope St. Luke's Guided Imagery Program can be of assistance to you.

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