A healthy heart is fundamental to overall health and wellbeing. Chartered Physiotherapists are specially trained in treatments to help you if you are suffering from problems associated with cardiac (heart) conditions. Physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle are known and preventable risk factors for certain heart conditions. Physiotherapy therefore plays an important role in education and prevention programs.
Physiotherapy also forms a key part of the rehabilitation for the following Cardiac conditions:
- Heart Attack
- Heart Surgery
- Heart Failure
- Aneurysms
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Arrhythmia
- Cardiac Arrest
- Angina
What will a Chartered Physiotherapist do for me?
Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes are specialised programmes which combine exercise and education components, with the aim of improving physical fitness and the ability to self-manage your condition. Physiotherapists are a vital part of the team of health professionals that run these programmes.
Your Chartered Physiotherapist will first assess your individual problem and then devise a specialised treatment plan. If appropriate, your physiotherapist will liaise with your doctor, hospital consultant or other health care professional, to help you manage your heart condition to the best of your ability.
Top tips for a healthy heart
Move more and sit less. Physical activity helps to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering your blood pressure, increasing your ‘good’ cholesterol levels, helping you maintain a healthy weight and by keeping your heart healthy. Adults should aim to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity each week.
Moderate intensity activities include fast walking, recreational swimming, golf and physical gardening. Vigorous intensity activities include circuit training, football, jogging and fast cycling. Your physiotherapist can recommend suitable activities for you.
Benefits for your heart health:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves cholesterol levels
- Lowers risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes
- Reduces narrowing of the arteries
- Reduces risk of irregular heartbeat
- Reduces angina (chest pains)
Useful links and resources
Irish Heart Foundation
Croi Heart & Stroke Foundation
Disclaimer
The content on this page is provided for general information purposes only and is not meant to replace a physiotherapy or medical consultation. The ISCP is not responsible for the content of any external sites, nor should selection be seen as an endorsement of them.
