Heart disease is a generic term that can be used to describe a wide variety of diseases that affect the heart. Nevertheless, it’s important to include the specific type of heart disease you have (when possible) on your medical ID when you have it engraved. For example, “heart disease” and “heart condition” are often used interchangeably with the term “cardiovascular disease.” However, a cardiovascular problem typically refers to a condition that involves narrow or blocked blood vessels. Other heart conditions can affect the heart’s muscle, valves, or a variety of other things. Having specific information engraved on your medical alert bracelet or pendant can make your medical ID even more helpful to medical personnel.

Another reason it’s important to be specific on your medical jewelry is because it helps emergency medical technicians get to the right treatment quicker, even if you’re unable to speak when they arrive. In the video below, we talk with a local paramedic named Dominic, who explains in detail why it’s important to be specific about your heart condition on your medical ID and exactly what affect it can have on treatment of a patient.