Besides working closely with physicians, family and friends play a big role in fostering and supporting a patient’s heart health. “Patients who have strong social support networks do better than those who don’t have that social support,” says Dr. Krasuski. “It’s a critical part of the whole process.” Some practical ways to support include attending a doctor’s appointment with the patient, or joining him or her in lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation or exercise. “When we take a patient through cardiac rehab,” adds Dr. Krasuski, “we encourage their significant other to go through it, too. It’s important, because it improves the chances that the person will make the [necessary lifestyle] changes, and the loved one will realize how important it is.”