A guide to living with a heart condition

Being diagnosed with a heart condition can be a very frightening time filled with uncertainty and anxiety. You may feel like you won’t be able to live life in the same way as you did before. However, receiving this diagnosis doesn’t mean you can’t still do some of the things you always did – it just means you need to adapt and learn new ways to live well. Read our guide as we explore ways to improve your life while living with a heart condition.

What is a heart condition?

A heart condition, or cardiovascular disease (CVD), is an umbrella term for various illnesses and disorders affecting the heart’s health and ability to function properly. It can be congenital (present at birth) or develop over time due to many factors, such as lifestyle, genetics, and other medical issues. 

There are many types of heart conditions affecting people nationwide, like coronary heart disease, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), heart failure and attacks, strokes, and more. Over 7 million people in the UK are living with a heart condition, and it is crucial to know whether you are, too, as early detection and treatment can allow you to live longer and well with it.

Causes of heart conditions

Heart conditions can result from various factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, which are the most common. They can also come from diabetes, obesity, an inactive lifestyle, and high stress levels. Many individuals suffer from heart conditions that have been passed down genetically or that develop after a viral infection or due to ageing.

If you believe you may be suffering from a heart condition, here are some symptoms to look out for. 

Symptoms of heart conditions

There are many different symptoms of heart conditions depending on the exact illness or disorder you’re dealing with. Here are the most common:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue and weakness
• Heart palpitations (irregular or fast heartbeats)
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet due to fluid buildup in the tissues
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting spells
• Nausea or vomiting

If you regularly experience any of these symptoms or they suddenly become severe, please consult your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.

What to do if you have a heart condition?

If you suspect you have a heart condition, immediately seek medical advice. Your doctor may run diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, an ECG, echocardiogram, or stress tests, to examine your heart health and determine the best treatment options. 

It is vital that you seek medical attention if you have a heart condition, as early detection and treatment will increase your chances of living with it more easily. 

Treatment for heart conditions

Treatment options for heart conditions depend on the exact illness you’re living with and the severity of the symptoms. Unfortunately, there are some conditions that can’t be cured, such as coronary heart disease and heart failure, but there are medications and lifestyle changes you can implement to make a difference. 

You could also be advised to eat a morebbalanced, heart-healthy diet (cardioprotective diet), regular exercise, and stress management to better manage symptoms and improve your overall health.

Depending on your condition, your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist or prescribe medications like blood thinners, beta-blockers, or ACE inhibitors to improve heart function and prevent complications. In more severe cases, surgery, angioplasty, or pacemaker implantation may be necessary.

How to look after your heart

Living well with a heart condition often requires making changes to your daily routine to care for your heart and general well-being. 

• Exercising regularly
  If you’re physically fit enough and your doctor advises it, light to moderate exercise can strengthen your heart and increase blood flow to it. 
• Heart-healthy diet
  Following a balanced cardioprotective diet with fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Read this guide from East Sussex Hospital Trust for more information.
• Stress management
  Dealing with high stress levels can put additional strain on your heart, so consider stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation and breathing exercises, taking warm baths, and other calming hobbies you enjoy. It can also help to build routines and plan out your days so you know what to expect and aren’t stressed or overwhelmed.
• Good sleep habits
  A study found that taking a nap once or twice a day was associated with a 48% decreased risk of a heart attack or stroke. Another found that sleeping less than six hours a day increased the risk of developing coronary artery disease or stroke. It’s no secret that sleeping well is essential for our well-being. Aim to sleep at least six to eight hours a night. 
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol
  Smoking and excessive drinking can worsen heart conditions, so smoking and drinking in moderation can improve heart health.

Implementing such changes to your lifestyle, alongside your medication or treatments, can make living with a heart condition more manageable and less daunting. Complete Care Shop also has some living aids that can give you additional support and make life easier.

Recommended products

• Blood pressure and health monitors
  Monitoring your blood pressure at home can be a valuable way to track heart health and share data with your doctor. Our range of blood pressure monitors includes easy-to-use options with digital displays.
• Pill boxes and organisers
  If you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition, you may need to regularly take medication. Our pill boxes and dispensers can help you keep track of your medications so you remember to take them more easily. We even have a Pill Box with Reminder Alarm.
• Mobility aids
  It’s important to stay active for our well-being. If mobility is becoming a struggle, consider mobility or walking aids. They give you additional support and the ability to get around independently. Our range includes everything from walking frames to rollators, mobility scooters, and wheelchairs.
• Exercise and rehabilitation
  Light exercise is helpful for heart health, and aids like resistance bands, exercise balls, light weights, and pedalling equipment can help you stay active even with reduced mobility and strength.
• Hobbies
  It’s important to do things that make you happy for stress management, and that includes your hobbies. Our gardening and reading and writing aids allow you to comfortably and safely do what you love. 

Useful charities and resources

Living with a heart condition can be challenging and support from others in similar situations can be invaluable. There are several charities and resources available for you, dedicated to supporting individuals with heart conditions.

The British Heart Foundation is the largest cardiovascular charity in the UK and the biggest heart and circulatory disease research funder in Europe. They provide a wealth of information, resources, and support to those living with heart conditions. On their website, you can find helplines, online forums and in-person support groups. They also have a recipe finder tool that you can use to filter by dietary requirements, condition, and cuisine to find delicious heart-healthy recipes.

Pumping Marvellous is the UK’s heart failure charity, offering support and resources on living well with heart failure. They have support guides, an online community and a cardiac rehabilitation program.

The NHS website is another great resource, offering a wealth of information on heart health, treatment options and lifestyle changes for managing heart conditions.

How can Complete Care Shop help?

Complete Care Shop is committed to providing products and resources that improve your safety, comfort, and independence. Our range of living aids can help make life easier for those living with a heart condition. If you need more advice on what products are best for you, our team of Occupational Therapists offers expert advice.

Additionally, our help and advice blog features helpful guides on living well with various health conditions, including heart-related issues. For more information or advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cardiovascular-disease/ 

[2] https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/contact-the-press-office/facts-and-figures 

[3] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cardiovascular-disease/#:~:text=High%20cholesterol,Read%20more%20about%20high%20cholesterol. 

[4] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease/#:~:text=Coronary%20heart%20disease%20cannot%20be,medicines 

[5] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-failure/ 

[6] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190909193219.htm 

[7] https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2018/august/getting-a-good-nights-sleep-improves-heart-health