Authored by Minnesota author Rhoda F. Levin; foreword written by Minnesota author David V. Keith. When Rhoda Levin's husband turned to her in bed one evening and said, "Don't get scared, but I think I'm having a heart attack," her old life came to an end. And her new life - as a cardiac spouse - began. Levin, a licensed therapist and social worker, went on to create Heartmates, the first hospital-affiliated program specifically designed to meet the needs of the cardiac spouse as well as the cardiac patient. Because of new advances in medical technology, two out of three heart attack victims survive the attack. For the victim's mate, howwever, life will never again be the same. If you are a "cardiac spouse," change may be the only fixture in your life. You have probably experienced feelings of guilt, fear, stress, anger, and, most of all, helplessness. You may feel that you are absolutely out of control of your own life - and unable to fulfill your spouse's new emotional and physical needs. Heartmates will help you overcome your anxiety and set yourself on the road to recovery. You will learn to face your emotions, understand the new roles expected of you, and use this painful period as an opportunity for persoanl growth. Through checklists, a diary, a questionnaire, self-help exercises, and other techniques used in the Heartmates program, you will learn to accept and deal with your own needs as well as your spouse's. You will discover how cardiac crisis can help you strengthen your relationship with both your spouse and your family and allow you to forge new bonds of love and responsibility. Heartmates features information on sexuality and exercise as well as glossary of cardiac terms and a listing of recommended reading. This book offers a complete program - for understanding your crisis and learning to rejoice in your new beginning. - Dust jacket.