According to the British Heart Foundation, over seven million people were living with cardiovascular disease in the UK in 2015.
Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term for all diseases of the heart and circulation, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. A diagnosis of CVD can leave you uncertain about whether you can return to your normal routines. Live to 100 is here to provide answers.
Will I need to change my diet?
Adopting a healthy diet will benefit your heart. Aim to eat lots of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain carbohydrates such as bread, rice and potatoes. Some dairy products, meat, fish, eggs and beans are also permitted.
You should minimise how much fat you consume and attempt to eat only mono and polyunsaturated fats such as olive oil, almonds and avocadoes. Cut down on foods containing saturated and trans fats, as these can increase the amount of cholesterol in your blood. You should also reduce how much salt you use in your food, and how much alcohol you drink.
See more: Guard Your Heart
Can I exercise?
Exercise will be an important part of managing your heart condition, but make sure you speak to your doctor about what exercises you can and can’t do. Any exercise that involves straining muscles, such as sit-ups, may not be advisable. When exercising, make sure you pace yourself and allow a lot of recovery time. Don’t exercise outside when it’s too hot, cold or humid, as this could place a strain on your heart. The same applies for hot or cold showers after exercise.
If you start to feel fatigued or short of breath when exercising, stop and make sure you tell your doctor about your symptoms. If you have a rapid or irregular heartbeat or palpitations stop immediately and seek medical help if the heart rate is above 100-120 beats per minute after resting for 15 minutes. Stop exercising if you feel weak, dizzy, nauseous or have pressure and pain in your chest, neck, arm, jaw or shoulder.
Can I return to work?
Many people can return to work after being diagnosed with a heart condition, although time frames will depend on how serious and stable your heart condition is.
If you do return to work, it may be that you have to work part time instead of full time to begin with. You may also have to speak to your employer about making changes to your workload, particularly if your work involves manual labour or operating heavy machinery. This may be temporary or permanent. If this isn’t possible, consider training for another, more suitable job. Your doctor is best placed to advise you on when is suitable to return to work, and whether your condition will let you return to your normal duties.
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Can I travel or go on holiday?
As long as your heart condition is controlled and stable, you should be able to travel. When selecting a location, avoid anywhere that’s too hilly as you may not be fit enough for high levels of physical activity, as well as destinations that are too hot or cold, or at high altitudes (the lower oxygen levels can lead to headaches, breathlessness and angina).
Wherever you go, make sure you know how to access local medical services, and keep an up to date list (including the generic and brand names) of all your medications in case of emergency. Bring enough medication to last you through the trip, plus extra, and if going overseas or flying, carry a letter from your GP explaining your condition and any medication or medical devices you are using. Ensure you also use travel insurance that covers your specific heart condition
When flying on a plane, use measures such as properly fitted support stockings and exercises to avoid deep vein thrombosis. Remember that while you can carry essential medicines of more than 100ml in your hand luggage, you will need to get the approval of the airline and airport beforehand, as well as a letter from your doctor or prescription.
For those with a pacemaker or ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator), bring your device ID card with you and inform security staff beforehand as it can set off metal detector alarms. You may have to be searched with a handheld metal detector—ensure this is not placed directly over your device.
Read more on Celebrity Angels about cardiovascular disease and how to look after your heart health.
