Living with a heart condition

Understanding your heart condition and making healthy lifestyle changes can help you protect your heart and lower your chance of further heart problems. This article explains how cardiac rehabilitation, medicines, lifestyle changes and emotional support all work together when you are living with a heart condition.

What cardiac rehabilitation is#

Cardiac rehabilitation (or cardiac rehab) is a program of support, exercise and education led by health professionals to help strengthen your heart and your confidence after a heart event or procedure.

If you have had a heart attack, attending cardiac rehab can reduce the risk of having another one. People who have been diagnosed with conditions such as heart failure can also benefit. You will learn more about the long-term lifestyle changes that help you live well with your heart condition.

Cardiac rehab is often recommended for people who have had:

• coronary heart disease, such as a heart attack or angina
• a heart procedure or surgery, such as coronary artery bypass graft surgery, coronary angioplasty and/or stenting, or valve replacement
• a cardiac arrest
• heart failure
• a device insertion, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator
• abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation

Speak to your doctor to find out about a local cardiac rehab program tailored to your needs.

What cardiac rehab can help you do#

A good program supports you to:

• return to the activities you enjoy, including driving, work and travel
• improve your physical activity and fitness levels
• manage your medicines
• manage other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
• recognise the warning signs of a heart attack and what to do in an emergency
• make healthy lifestyle choices
• manage stress, anxiety and low mood

Taking your heart medicines#

Most people who have had a heart attack or been diagnosed with a heart condition will be prescribed medicines to protect their heart and lower the risk of future problems.

It is important to know which heart medicines you take, what each one is for and the possible side effects to watch for. For more information, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

A few general reminders:

• always take your medicines as prescribed, even if you feel well
• talk to your doctor before you stop a medicine or change the dose
• check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter products (such as cold and flu medicines, pain relievers or supplements), as they can interact with heart medicines

Making lifestyle changes for a healthier heart#

A heart-healthy lifestyle benefits both your physical and mental wellbeing and can help you manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eating well, drinking less alcohol, moving more and quitting smoking are all important parts of living well with a heart condition.

Follow a heart-healthy eating pattern#

Rather than focusing on one food or nutrient, think about what you eat over days, weeks and months. A heart-healthy eating pattern includes:

• plenty of vegetables, fruit and wholegrains
• a variety of protein-rich foods, especially fish and seafood, legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts and seeds
• healthy fats and oils, such as nuts, seeds, avocados, olives and their oils for cooking
• herbs and spices to flavour food instead of salt

Eggs and poultry can also be part of a heart-healthy eating pattern. If you eat red meat, choose lean cuts and keep it to about one to three times a week. If you include dairy, people with high cholesterol or heart disease may prefer reduced-fat varieties. This way of eating is naturally low in unhealthy fats, salt and added sugar, and rich in wholegrains, fibre, antioxidants and healthy fats. For tailored dietary advice, you can speak to a qualified dietitian.

Drink less alcohol#

If you do not drink alcohol, do not start. If you do drink, follow the recommended limits in your country and keep your intake low. For women who are breastfeeding, not drinking alcohol is safest for the baby.

For people with heart disease, related conditions or risk factors, the evidence is not strong enough to recommend a safe amount of alcohol for heart health, so for some people the safest option is not to drink at all. Talk to your doctor for advice and support to cut down.

Be physically active#

Talk to your doctor or cardiac rehab team about how to safely build physical activity into your life, especially after a heart attack or surgery. Walking groups and structured walking plans are a simple, social way to become more active over time.

Quit smoking#

Tobacco smoking is a major cause of heart and blood vessel disease. If you are recovering from a heart attack, quitting smoking can reduce your risk of another. Exposure to second-hand smoke (passive smoking) is a serious hazard for smokers and non-smokers alike, so quitting and avoiding it protects you and those around you.

The most effective way to stop smoking combines support with stop-smoking medicines such as nicotine replacement therapy. If you are ready to quit or thinking about it, talk to your doctor about the options that can help you.

Look after your mental health#

If you have been diagnosed with a heart condition or recently had a heart attack, it is normal to feel sad, angry, anxious, lonely or confused. These feelings are usually short-term and improve with time as you adjust.

You are not alone, and there are many resources to support your emotional and mental wellbeing. If you are worried about your thoughts or how you are feeling, tell someone and seek help. This could be your doctor, another health professional, a family member or a friend.

Key points#

• If you have had a heart attack, attending cardiac rehab can reduce the risk of having another heart attack.
• Tobacco smoking is a major cause of heart and blood vessel disease.
• If you are recovering from a heart attack, quitting smoking can reduce your risk of another heart attack.

Where to get help#