World Heart Day takes place on Tuesday 29 September, providing an opportunity to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and the importance of looking after our heart health.
This year’s theme, ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’, encourages us to see the signs, protect our hearts and demand action.
Signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) can sometimes go unnoticed or unrecognised. CVD can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness or lifestyle, so recognising potential warning signs and seeking help when something doesn’t feel right can make an important difference.
The good news is that there are things we can all do to help look after our heart health. Small, consistent changes to our everyday habits can add up over time.
One of the simplest is to move more. You could take the stairs instead of the lift, take a walking break away from your desk, get off the bus a stop earlier or build a short walk into your day. Small steps can make a big difference.
Other important steps include being aware of factors that can affect your heart health, such as blood pressure, and taking opportunities to make healthy choices.
To mark World Heart Day, we’re shining a spotlight on our Cardiac Rehabilitation and Heart Failure services, and the support they provide to help people manage their heart health, recover, regain confidence and improve their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Service
In this podcast, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse Eleanor chats with patient Phil about his cardiac rehabilitation journey, including the support he received from the service and the difference it has made to his recovery.
Subtitles are included in this podcast. For the best viewing experience, please turn off YouTube’s closed captions by clicking the ‘CC’ button at the bottom of the video.
To find out more about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Service, visit: Cardiac Rehabilitation > Glos Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust
Our Heart Failure Service
We are also taking the opportunity this World Heart Day to reshare a podcast from our Heart Failure team, in which Heart Failure Specialist Nurse Clare talks to 42-year-old Alex about his heart failure journey, his experience of living with the condition and the support he has received.
Subtitles are included in this podcast. For the best viewing experience, please turn off YouTube’s closed captions by clicking the ‘CC’ button at the bottom of the video.
To find out more about the Heart Failure Service, visit: Gloucestershire Heart Failure Service > Glos Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust
