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Life after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery | Mental, Emotional & Practical Heart Health Wellness
Life after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery | Mental, Emotional & Practical Heart Health Wellness
Sallie Crawley, a heart attack survivor and cardiac coach, hosts this podcast focused on holistic heart health. She provides actionable strategies for managing the emotional and mental challenges after a cardiac event. Topics include rebuilding confidence, handling health anxiety, and implementing practical wellness tools. The show is designed for heart attack survivors, heart surgery patients, and their families, offering support and expert advice for life after a cardiac diagnosis.
Episodes
073 Relax - I Am At Peace with My New Reality after a Cardiac Event
Do you find yourself wishing that life could go back to exactly how it was before your heart attack, heart surgery, cardiac arrest or diagnosis?Perhaps you miss your old confidence, your independence, your energy or the freedom to make plans without thinking about your heart.You may feel as though your life has become smaller.You may be comparing everything you can do now with what you could do be
072 The Lost Hours - Why Your Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Story Matters
After heart surgery, a cardiac arrest, or another major cardiac event, many people discover there are gaps in their memory. Some remember vivid dreams or nightmares. Others remember very little at all.In this episode, we're exploring the powerful role an ICU diary can play in recovery.You'll learn why memory gaps happen, how they can affect emotional wellbeing, and how a simple diary kep
071 Cardiac Chat with Immy Reid - Heart Failure, Trauma and Hope
Immy Reid shares her extraordinary journey through complex health challenges, heart failure, cancer treatment, cardiac arrests, trauma, and the long emotional recovery that follows.Immy shares openly about living with high blood pressure from a young age, being diagnosed with heart failure, going through cancer treatment, experiencing severe complications, and later surviving three cardiac arrests
070 Most Powerful Tool for Healing After a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery
Sleep is one of the most important things we can do for our physical and emotional wellbeing, yet it is often one of the first things to suffer after a heart attack, heart surgery, cardiac arrest, or diagnosis of heart disease.In this episode, I explore why sleep matters so much for recovery, the connection between sleep and heart health, and why anxiety often seems to worsen at bedtime.You'l
069 Cardiac Chat with Andrew Pike - Pumphead & Open Heart Surgery, the Recovery No One Talks About
Sallie Crawley talks with filmmaker Andrew Pike about his experience of open-heart surgery, the emotional and cognitive aftermath that followed, and the making of his film Pumphead.Andrew’s surgery was physically successful, but once he returned home, he began to experience confusion, disorientation, difficulty connecting with others, and a frightening sense that something was very wrong. Despite
068 Is It Normal to Feel Like This After a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery?
Is it normal to feel anxious, frightened, angry, overwhelmed, or emotional after a heart attack, heart surgery, or another cardiac event?The answer is yes.In this episode, we're talking about the emotional impact of cardiac recovery and why so many people struggle with feelings that nobody warned them about.You'll learn about the difference between the common "cardiac blues" an
067 Relax - I Am Allowed to Cry for Emotional Healing After a Cardiac Event
Have you found yourself crying unexpectedly since your heart attack, heart surgery, cardiac arrest or cardiac diagnosis?Perhaps the tears arrive when someone asks how you are, when a hospital letter comes through the door, when you look at your scar or when you realise how much your life has changed.You may even feel that you should be grateful, positive or simply pleased to be alive.But gratitude
066 Understanding "Pumphead" and the Heart-Brain Connection after Heart Surgery
The Rhythm of Recovery: Why You Feel "Disconnected" After Surgery. Have you had heart surgery, only to find that while your "plumbing" is mended, your mind feels like it’s still buffering? You’re not alone. Many survivors experience "Pumphead" (Post-Perfusion Syndrome), that strange sense of brain fog, anxiety, or detachment that hits after cardiopulmonary bypass.In t
065 Reiki for the Heart - A Gentle Journey to Heal after a Cardiac Event
After a heart event, the emotional storm can be just as taxing as the physical recovery. In this episode, we explore how Reiki, a Japanese energy healing practice, can act as a gentle lifeline to help you reclaim your calm.In this episode, we discuss:The Emotional Aftermath: Dealing with the fear and "body betrayal" that often follows a heart attack.What is Reiki? A simple breakdown of h
064 Loss of Taste after a Heart Attack or Cardiac Surgery
Have your favourite foods started tasting strange after a heart attack or heart surgery?In this episode, we’re talking about something that doesn’t get discussed nearly enough - changes in taste after a cardiac event.If coffee suddenly tastes disgusting…If chocolate no longer hits the spot…If everything feels metallic, bland or just “off”…You are not imagining it and you are not alone. In this epi
063 Preparing for Heart Surgery - Before, During & After
Are you waiting for heart surgery and feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure what to expect? In this episode, I guide you through every stage of preparation – physically, mentally, and practically – so you can enter surgery feeling empowered, supported, and ready for recovery.We cover:How to prepare your body for surgery with nutrition, exercise, and medication tips.Ways to reduce stress and anxi
062 How to Overcome the Fear of Dying after a Cardiac Event
After a heart attack, cardiac arrest, or open heart surgery, something shifts. Even when your body is healing, your mind can feel on constant alert. Every twinge feels suspicious. Every flutter feels dangerous. And beneath it all … there can be a quiet, persistent fear:“What if it happens again?” “What if I die?”In this episode, I’m talking openly about the nagging fear of death that so many peo
061 Relax - Every Day I Expect Magic to Happen in My Life
Today, we explore the powerful intersection of brain science and belief. We dive into the Reticular Activating System (RAS) - the brain’s gatekeeper - and how it filters the world based on what you focus on. By consciously expecting "magic," you program your unconscious mind to find evidence of beauty, opportunity, and joy that you might otherwise miss.Highlights:The RAS Factor: Understa
060 A Heart-Led Membership Club for Cardiac Recovery
Heart disease isn’t just a physical journey - it’s emotional, mental, and sometimes spiritual. In this episode, I’m opening my heart to share something new I’ve been creating: a membership club designed for people living with heart disease or recovering from a cardiac event.I talk honestly about the emotional reality of heart disease, the fear, anxiety, grief, and overwhelm that come with it and w
059 Frank’s Crease - Your Earlobe’s Secret Heart Clue or Just Skin Deep?
Have you ever noticed a diagonal crease on your earlobe and wondered if it means something serious?In this episode, we explore Frank’s Crease (also known as Frank’s Sign), the line across the earlobe that some researchers have linked to heart disease.If you’re living with or beyond a heart attack, cardiac surgery, heart failure or a diagnosis that changed everything, it’s so easy for small things
058 Embracing the Both/And Mindset for Heart Health Recovery
Have you ever felt grateful to be alive… and deeply anxious at the same time?Relieved your surgery is over… and frustrated that recovery feels slow?Motivated to change your lifestyle… and grieving your old one?If so, you are not doing recovery wrong.In this episode, we explore the powerful mindset shift of Both/And thinking — a compassionate way of allowing two truths to exist at the same time wit
057 Travelling Abroad with a Heart Condition, after a Heart Attack or Cardiac Surgery
Can You Really Go on Holiday After a Heart Attack or Surgery? Here’s How to Travel Without WorryPlanning a holiday after a heart attack, heart surgery, or living with heart disease can feel overwhelming.Should you fly? Is hot weather dangerous? What about travel insurance? What if something happens while you’re away?In this episode, I gently walk you through how to travel safely and confidently af
056 Cardiac Podcast Rename with a Chance to Win a Heart Recovery Book
The hospital fixed your heart, but who is helping you heal your mind? After 55 episodes of navigating the emotional, mental, and practical side of heart recovery together, I have some big news to share. As we look toward the future of this community, I want to make sure our "signpost"—the name and look of this show—is as clear and welcoming as possible for the person who needs it most.
055 Relax - I Adapt and Adjust to What Is
A relaxamation to help you adapt to life’s changes after a heart attack or cardiac surgery. I will guide you through a gentle journey of relaxation and with the affirmation “I adapt and adjust to what is.” You'll learn how to reduce resistance, find emotional flexibility, and rebuild confidence. What You’ll Experience:Progressive body relaxationA quiet the mindThe affirmation “I adapt and ad
054 Journey to End-of-Life Peace: Planning with Love, Purpose & Kindness
End-of-life planning doesn’t have to be scary. In this episode, Sallie Crawley gently guides you through how to plan your care, medical wishes, and farewell in a way that brings clarity, comfort, and peace for both you and your loved ones.Through heartfelt personal stories, practical advice, and compassionate guidance, Sallie shows how even small decisions—from choosing music for a ceremony to wri
053 GTN & Vasodilators - Managing Angina Effectively
In this episode, I will explain what vasodilators are, the difference between short-acting and long-acting nitrates, and how to use GTN spray and tablets safely. Learn about common side effects, emergency tips, and practical advice for living confidently with angina.Key Points Covered:How vasodilators work to improve blood flow and reduce heart workloadShort-acting vs long-acting nitratesStep-by-s
052 Why Saying THE Heart Attack vs MY Heart Attack Matters
Reclaiming Your Life Story: Why “A Heart Attack” or “The Heart Attack” Matters More Than “My Heart Attack”. The words we use to describe a health event can influence how we cope, heal, and view ourselves. In this episode, I explore why saying “a heart attack” or “the heart attack” instead of “my heart attack” can empower recovery, reduce fear, and help you reclaim your story. You’ll learn practica
051 Relax - I Trust Myself to find Moderation
I will guide you through a relaxamation session that supports balanced living and moderation during the festive season. Using gentle relaxation, body awareness, and the affirmation “I trust myself to find balance and moderation”, this session helps people living with cardiac conditions enjoy celebrations with confidence and calm.Not sure what a Relaxamation is?You can find more information here: E
050 Quitting Smoking - The Voice That Says You Can’t
Today, I explore the hidden psychology behind why it can be so difficult to quit smoking after a cardiac event, especially when you’ve tried before. Discover how your brain’s limbic system tricks you into believing you can’t cope without nicotine, and how to rewire that inner dialogue using calm, compassionate, and evidence-based tools. What You’ll Learn: The real reason your brain resists quittin
049 Love, Intimacy & Sex after a Heart Attack or Surgery
Intimacy, love, and sexual connection can feel complicated after a heart attack, cardiac arrest or surgery but they are a vital part of your recovery and emotional wellbeing. In this episode, Sallie Crawley walks you through the challenges, practical strategies, and gentle steps to help you reconnect with your partner and with yourself.You’ll learn:Common sexual and intimacy challenges after heart
048 Ejection Fraction (EF) – Understanding Your Heart’s Strength
Understanding your ejection fraction (EF) can feel confusing, especially after a heart attack, heart surgery, or when living with heart disease. In this episode I break down EF in simple, relatable terms and explains why it matters for your heart health.You’ll learn:What ejection fraction is and what the numbers meanWhy EF matters for your energy, oxygen flow, and overall wellbeingHow EF is measu
047 Can you have a Happy Brain after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery
Discover how to boost your happiness and improve your heart health after a cardiac event. In this episode, I explain how stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline impact your recovery, and how “happy hormones” - dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins - can help you feel joyful, motivated, and connected. Learn practical tips for regulating these hormones and reclaiming your life after hea
046 Alcohol and Your Heart: Finding Balance After a Heart Attack or Cardiac Surgery
Many people worry about whether alcohol is off-limits after a cardiac event. In this episode, I explore the effects of alcohol on the heart, the truth about moderation, and practical strategies to enjoy life safely. Learn:How alcohol affects heart health and medicationsWhat moderation really looks likePractical tips for reducing intake without feeling deprivedBenefits of mindful drinking and reduc
045 Self Care After a Cardiac Event isn't Selfish
Me, Myself, and I, today I tackle the myth that self-care is selfish and learn why it's actually an essential practice for our well-being after a heart attack or cardiac surgery. I use the powerful analogy of the airplane oxygen mask to understand why we must take care of ourselves first before we can effectively help others.I also dive into the transformative power of mindset, sharing a pers
044 Relax - I Have the Right to Be Happy
In today’s guided Relaxamation, I invite you to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the truth that happiness is your right and not a reward or something you have to earn. Whether you’re recovering from a heart attack, adjusting to life with heart failure, or living with any form of heart disease, this is your time to remember: you can feel joy, peace, and calm—even in the midst of uncertainty.You’l
042 A Self-Soothing Toolbox for your Heart & Mind Health
Today, we're talking about A powerful tool to help you manage those overwhelming moments of worry, stress, and anxiety that can often accompany a cardiac event: creating your very own Self-Soothing Toolbox.Sallie shares why this "emergency kit" for your emotions is so much more than just a coping mechanism – it's a proactive step towards improving your mental and physical healt
043 Coming Home: What the Early Months After a Heart Attack Really Feel Like
What are the early months after a heart attack really like?" It's a question that brings back memories of my own uncertainty after leaving the hospital, stepping back into a life that suddenly felt unfamiliar. I just didn't have a clue what to expect!In this episode, I'll explore what those first few days, weeks, and months can bring, both physically and emotionally, and share
041 From Trauma to Triumph – Embracing Post-Traumatic Growth After a Heart Event
Today, I'm diving deep into a topic I touched on previously in episode 035, about "Can trauma and PTSD be caused by a heart attack, cardiac arrest, or open-heart surgery." This time, I want to share how even after a traumatic event, feeling good is not only possible but something you're absolutely allowed to do. I'm talking about moving From Trauma to Triumph: Post-Traumat
040 Beat the Heat and Stay Heart-Healthy
Summer can bring unique challenges for those with cardiac conditions. This episode provides actionable advice on staying cool, hydrated, and recognising the signs of heat-related stress, all tailored to help you protect your heart. Sallie shares her expertise and personal insights, guiding you through crucial precautions and lifestyle adjustments that can make a significant difference during hot s
039 Mindset and Cardiac Rehabilitation, Is There a Connection?
I challenge the notion that "you can't think yourself better" after a life-altering cardiac event. While it's crucial to acknowledge the trauma and negative emotions, we delve into the powerful connection between your mindset and your cardiac recovery.We explore:The Nuance of Positive Thinking: It's not about being relentlessly positive, but understanding how your thoughts
038 Relax - I Cope With Uncertainty (20 minutes)
Today I’ve been thinking about how much energy we spend trying to predict, control or prepare for every possible outcome in life… especially when we’re living with a health condition.It’s completely natural, we want certainty because it feels safe. And when your body isn’t behaving predictably, or when your health is uncertain, it’s easy to feel like the ground beneath you is shifting. Even the sm
037 An Emotional Roller Coaster Ride after a Heart Attack or Heart Surgery
A cardiac event, whether a heart attack or surgery, doesn't just impact your physical health; it can dramatically affect your emotional well-being. In this episode, we explore the emotional roller coaster ride that often follows, akin to the stages of grief. We discuss:Grief Beyond Loss: How losing your "old life" after a cardiac event is a valid form of grief.The Change Curve: A mo
036 Introducing Healthy Hearts & Happy Minds!
Join me for an exciting announcement! My Facebook page, formerly known as "Heart Attack, Heart Surgery & Heart Disease Survivors Support Group," is officially rebranding to Healthy Hearts & Happy Minds! 🎉 This new name truly reflects my mission: to support and empower individuals living with or recovering from a heart attack, heart surgery or cardiac diagnosis on their journey to
035 Can PTSD be caused by a heart attack, cardiac arrest or open-heart surgery?
I confront the reality of trauma and PTSD following cardiac events like heart attacks, cardiac arrest, or open-heart surgery. It's a question many ask, and the answer is a definitive yes. I discuss:The Reality of Trauma: How life-changing cardiac events can make your own body feel unsafe, and why these feelings are normal.What is PTSD? Understanding symptoms like re-living events, heightened
034 Pumphead, Is That a Thing? (Post-Perfusion Syndrome)
I dive into "Pumphead," or Post-Perfusion Syndrome, the post-operative brain fog many experience after heart bypass surgery. We'll cover:What is Pumphead? Common symptoms like brain fog, confusion, and dizziness.Why does it occur? Theories involving the perfusion machine and heart handling.Recognising Symptoms: How to identify signs like imbalance, difficulty problem-solving, or moo
033 Cardiac Chat Rebuilding the Engine with Triple Bypass Surgery - John Fraser's Story
Join me in this powerful and candid interview with John Fraser, who shares his remarkable journey through a triple coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. At 66, John, a previously active individual, faced unexpected heart issues, leading to a life-changing operation. Listen as John details his experiences from initial symptoms and diagnosis to the challenges of surgery and recovery.In this e
032 Relax - Today Is My Day (13 minutes)
Today’s episode is a relaxamation and it focuses on taking time for yourself and putting yourself first.When was the last time you spent a whole day just for yourself, doing only what you wanted to do when you wanted to do it? I don’t do it very often myself and yet I know that I should. It’s an essential part of self-care. Self-care shouldn’t be for when you’re burnt out, uptight, stressed and fe
031 Embracing Awe: The Surprising Connection Between Wonder and Cardiac Wellbeing
I am not sure about you but does your cardiac event consume your life? Is your heart health at the centre of everything that you do or think? Awe is an emotion characterised by a sense of reverence or wonder in response to something perceived as vast or great. Something outside of yourself. It has been shown to have several potential health benefits. Today I am going to talk about awe as it has be
030 Relax - I Am In Charge of How I Feel (13 minutes)
The Dalai Lama said, “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” To me, the quote means that experiencing pain, physical and emotional, is a natural and unavoidable part of life, but whether or not we experience suffering as a result of that pain is a choice that we can make. In other words, we can choose to let the pain control and consume us, causing suffering, or we can choose to accept the pa
029 Stress Less, Live More: 5 Breathing Methods to Improve Cardiac Health and Emotional Well-Being
I am sure that like me you experience stress and anxiety. I thought that prior to my heart attack, I had it pretty much nailed anxiety and that I managed my stress levels well. Perhaps I did but after discharge from the hospital it got really out of my control and I had to learn to practice what I had been preaching to my clients. Today I am sharing with you 5 different ways of using your breath t
028 Journey of Survival and Resilience with Jon Johnston
My interview with Jon Johnston. He’s a survivor of a widow maker heart attack and a cardiac arrest that caused him to be without oxygen for 20 minutes, technically dead. He is also an author of two books and a sports website owner. Today he talks to me about his life before his event and how he died but miraculously survived. He shares with me how he pieced together what had happened with the help
027 Finding Your Sweet Spot (Cardiac Diet) with Cheryl Strachan
This week is about nutrition, and my guest is Cheryl Strachan of Sweet Spot Nutrition. She is a Registered Dietitian, specialising in cardiac nutrition and wellness. Her mission is to share her love for food that hits the sweet spot. She is also the author of a recipe book. It's called 30-Minute Heart Healthy Cookbook: Delicious Recipes for Easy, Low-Sodium Meals. Cheryl believes that we shou
026 Cardiac Fiction Egregious Fortune By Aaron David
Today’s episode is going to be rather different; it’s going to be a fictional story. It’s a story of someone that had a heart attack although it is founded in a true story. It’s the first fictional story that I have found about having a cardiac event and I’d like to share it with you. I came across the author, Aaron David in a Facebook group when I was looking for people to proofread and give me f
025 Relax - I Am Whole, Healthy & Complete
Quit hiding your magic! You are UNIQUE, you are the only one like you. You have one of a kind fingerprints, not even identical twins have matching ones. You are the outcome of one egg and around 40 million sperm, any other sperm and you would be a different you. You are the only one to see colours the way you do. Remember not to compare yourself with others as there is no comparison. And anyway, y
024 Fatigue Management Tips to Help Life with Heart Disease
This week I am talking more about "how-to" live life with fatigue and minimise the impact. I talk through more tools, rules and ideas to help you manage fatigue and conserve your energy.Here are some of the topics I discuss in this episode.Sleep - whilst it doesn't get rid of fatigue is a good place to start. It means you only have to deal with the fatigue and not tiredness too. Nut
023 Relax - Forgiveness Is A Gift
For a full understanding of what my relaxamations are make sure you catch up with my episode called Relaxamations to relax and energise when living with heart disease, you can read or listen to me explaining it. In a nutshell, though, relaxamations are a blend of all of the best bits of meditation, guided relaxation, mindfulness and positive affirmations. Imagine this: If you had $86,400 in an acc
022 Relaxamations for the Heart Explained - The Big Calm & The Feel Good Factor
Today I am going to tell you about my relaxamation technique and how it can help you to relax and energise when living with heart disease. </p>It is a blend of all of the best bits of meditation, guided relaxation, mindfulness and positive affirmations. It's so exciting to tell you about what a relaxamation is and how it can help. Relaxamations for you to download will be included in my
021 Fatigue, the What, the Why and the How To Work It Out
I recently asked in my Facebook community how have people been feeling since their cardiac event or diagnosis. The top answers were Fatigue, Sleep Issues, Anxiety and Lack of Motivation. These I thought would be top topics for me to talk about. In this episode, we will be focussing on fatigue. • What fatigue feels like.• What’s the difference between tiredness and fatigue?• Why do we get fatigued
020 Cardiac Chat with Sallie Crawley by Brian Simpson, her Ruptured Achilles, Heart Attack and Breast Cancer
A few months ago, I invited Brian Simpson, the Heart Attack Thriver to be on my podcast. He turned the tables on me and invited me to be his guest on his IGTV show. He kindly allowed me to use the audio to share some of my story with you. You’ll get to find out why I think I am so lucky despite having my leg in plaster and having a heart attack. Then 8 weeks later having a cancer diagnosis that co
019 Cardiac Chat with Jakki Woywitka, the Healthy Heart Coach
At the age of 36, she was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure. Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy and Aortic Stenosis. This was from having an undiagnosed Bicuspid Aortic Valve. Her life was turned upside down. Since then, she has been on a journey to heal her body, mind & soul and reclaim her life. Now she helps others do the same. Heart disease isn't the end of your life. It is a second cha
018 Cardiac Chat with Tony Richens-Smith, a heart attack during Covid-19 lockdown
In January 2020 Tony decided to change his life and pursue his passion for working as a dog behaviourist. It was probably not the best timing but he made the best of things. Little did he know that in February 2021 his life was turned upside down once again.Tony tells us about the day when his heart attack started and how he thought he had COVID, so went home and took himself off to bed. Later aft
017 Cardiac Chat with Ashley Reaver, Registered Dietician - Lowering your cholesterol one meal at a time
Ashley specialises in helping people with high cholesterol live a long, healthy life without feeling powerless to control their numbers because of their family history.Hear about what Cholesterol is, what is good and bad about it. Ashely explains in terms that makes total sense – Cops & Robbers. We talk about some of the misconceptions and myths about your cholesterol, about diets that reduce
016 Cardiac Chat with Angela Hartley, Cardiac Nurse & Exercise Coach - Rehabilitation exercise on your terms
Angela is an exercise coach and a cardiac nurse. In the last seven years, she’s been specialising in cardiac rehabilitation exercise.She has quite a unique combination of skills. We chat about how in the UK cardiac rehab is provided for most patients via the NHS and how important it is to have the proper instructions for the wellbeing of our hearts during the healing process and how to achieve it.
014 Cardiac Chat with Brian Simpson – The Heart Attack Thriver, how having a heart attack changed his life for the better
Brian suffered a massive heart attack at the age of 48. Prior to that he was exceptionally healthy and lived a very active life. His heart attack occurred during an Ice Hockey match and he spent 20-25 minutes on his own in the dark unable to move. Did he see the light? Despite there being a number of factors that seemed to make the situation difficult, he was lucky in so many ways including having
013 Cardiac Chat Sara Bushnell - Having a heart attack in a work meeting far from home and an important discovery
Sara was fit, healthy and ate a good diet. She had been experiencing regular headaches and stress, at one point thought her blood pressure machine must have been broken. Living in Bristol, she left for a meeting in London, had an early telephone meeting at the station. Then she went on to her business meeting that was the reason for travelling. She has a sense of dread, and indigestions, but didn
012 Cardiac Chat with Steve Wrigley - Having a cardiac arrest at 30,000 feet and recovering from a heart attack in Singapore
Steve Wrigley was flying home when he had a heart attack on the plane. He was fit and healthy, he loved adventure holidays that revolved around cycling. He went with friends he’d met on previous adventures on a trip to Bali. Steve shares his story of amazing luck as he survived two accidents on his bike. Then the third event when he was on his way home. He had a cardiac arrest caused by a heart at
011 Cardiac Chat with Ray Bishop – Misdiagnosed more than once, having a forgiving heart and becoming the music man.
Ray was born with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. This did not affect his quality of life until after he had developed coronary heart disease. He was lucky that by this time, cardiac ablation could be carried out on him. This is one of the rare procedures which cures, rather than treats, a heart problem.After years of Ray's CHD being misdiagnosed, a heart attack was correctly diagnosed and co
010 Cardiac Chat with Tena Kennedy – Life with Heart Disease & Chronic Illnesses
Just before her 50th birthday Tena was admitted to hospital with unstable angina, and this was just the beginning of her story. Tena lives with many cardiac and respiratory chronic illnesses and she shares with us her journey and her coping mechanisms that helped her with her glass half full outlook despite the many changes to her life. She talks about her diagnosis and some of the procedures she
009 Cardiac Chat with Eliza Bell, a Transplant Patient
In February 2019, Eliza (aged 20) had a successful heart transplant recipient at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire, UK. It was a life-saving event that focussed her on fundraising and being a patient advocate.Eliza explains that she was born with congenital heart disease but didn’t know about it until she was 12.What life was like as a teenager and how she coped with having her first pacemaker f
008 Cardiac Chat with Claire Berouche, heart failure and being a hero
Claire was nominated in 2020 for the BHF Heart Hero Awards. She has contributed in amazing ways to raise awareness of heart failure and has had many TV interviews, been in national papers and BHF publications.Claire tells us about her life growing up with type 1 diabetes. Like many women she shares with us how she didn’t realise she was having a heart attack. It was nearly missed but the paramedic
007 Cardiac Chat with Sanjay Shah, life after Three Heart Attacks
Sanjay made a massive difference to my state of mind during the early days of my recovery from my heart attack. A random stranger and an act of random kindness. For Sanjay, a series of life challenges culminating in a heart attack by the age of 42 contributed to some hard and fast lessons for Sanjay in how to live a more fulfilled life without sacrificing career, relationships and health.He experi
006 Direction: A winning tactic is to just do it
Trying to find direction after a cardiac event. I discuss how to be able to take action on your unique path of life you need to have direction and focus.When our life changes it can feel uncertain and we feel vulnerable. By having direction and taking action we are able to develop and grow so that we can enjoy the feeling of accomplishment.Sometimes we know what and where we want to go but then w
005 Confidence: Having belief about being lucky
Gaining confidence with life after a cardiac event. Having confidence is another mindset that is important during recovery after a heart-related health issue. I tell you about how gaining confidence with life after a cardiac event helps you get out of your own way of your rehabilitation. That you can rid yourself of doubt. You can grow your self-belief. Have the confidence to step (at first, then
004 Purpose: A to-day list rather than a to-do list
Having purpose when living with a heart condition. Today I chat about purpose. I’ll talk about what it means when living after a cardiac event. I will explain that it isn’t what you achieve but the feelings that you experience on the journey. As your body releases its natural feel-good chemical, dopamine. That it’s not always the big things that make the difference. When recovering from a heart a
003 Hope: You can change your expectation
Hope helps when living with a heart condition. This week I am sharing with you my thoughts around the mindset of hope. How having hope after a cardiac event is key to giving your life meaning and being able to look forward to the life you live.You’ll learn how hope is motivational and helps you be able to adjust to new things and the differences in your life. I will explain that even though your l
002 Energy: Fun and laughter the quick fix
Creating energy for living with a heart condition. In this episode, I will introduce you to another of my mindsets that I think underpins our emotional recovery after a cardiac event. To gain energy to fuel your ‘new normal’ this is your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Having energy gave me motivation and drive to want more from each and every day. No more I’ll do it tomorrow as tomorro
001 Acceptance: Breath, an undervalued wellbeing tool
Finding acceptance when living with a heart condition. In this episode, I talk about acceptance and how having it contributes to emotional wellbeing after a cardiac event. You’ll learn why it is important to accept the situation, yourself, what was and what is, along with your limitations. Find out how you can regulate your moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the fear of fai
000 Introduction: Sallie Crawley, what's she all about?
In my trailer episode, I introduce myself, who I am, what I do and my experience. I chat about how my podcast can help you if you have had a heart attack, cardiac arrest or live with a heart condition.I explain how emotional rehabilitation is crucial for our recovery, that it should sit alongside and intertwined through the NHS provision of physical rehabilitation. You’ll find out why I decided to
