Recovery

Physical activity has many health and wellbeing benefits. However, you may be concerned about the risks of moving more.

After a stroke, heart event or diagnosis, or following a blood clot, you may notice that things have changed.

Your energy levels might feel different, and you may have been prescribed new or different medications to help you manage your condition.

Both of these things can affect your ability to exercise. It is important to listen to your body.

Before you start moving again, it is important to check in with your doctor (or your cardiac rehabilitation team) and increase your activity slowly over time. Taking a slow approach will help set you up for success.

What are the benefits of moving more after a stroke, heart event or diagnosis, or following a blood clot?

Moving more:

• increases your energy levels

• keeps your heart and muscles strong

• helps improve your balance to prevent falls

• reduces the risk of further heart events, blood clots or stroke

• improves your mood and energy levels

• reduces risk of other complications associated with inactivity such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some forms of cancer.

After you have talked to your doctor or cardiac rehabilitation team about getting started with movement, here are some things to keep in mind:

• make sure you stay hydrated when being active.

• if you are not used to doing activities, you may experience dizziness. If you become dizzy, stop, rest and let your doctor know.

• you may feel colder or hotter than usual depending on the activities you are doing

• you might experience fatigue

Fatigue is when you feel a kind of tiredness that does not get better with rest. Fatigue can affect your quality of life and can be difficult, as family and friends may not understand how exhausted you are.  If you have a heart condition or have experienced a stroke or cardiac event, you might be experiencing fatigue. The stress and emotional upheaval you might be feeling since the diagnosis or event can make it even worse.

Occupational therapist Ciara Breen shares her advice on managing fatigue with a heart condition or stroke.

Watch this video for expert advice:

How to get started with movement  

Getting more movement in your daily life does not mean that you need to join a gym or sports team. Every bit of movement counts. From gardening to chair-based exercises and walking, it is important to find a type of movement you enjoy.

Balance and strength exercises are also an important component of your daily routine. Please click on the videos below to see balance and strength exercises

Balance Activity  

Strength Exercises

Here are some videos to show you exercises in warming up, moderate intensity and cooling down 

Warming Up Exercises 

Moderate Intensity 

Warming Down Stretches

For more information on exercises

Please visit our Move More page

Supports for you

Speak to our expert nurses on our Nurse Support Line – phone 01 668 5001 or email support@irishheart.ie 

Further information:

Dr Noel McClafferty from ExWell Medical, discusses the benefits and difficulties of exercise and heart failure.

Watch this video for some expert advice:

James O’Dwyer Cardiac Physiotherapist at Benbulbin Chronic Disease Hub, Sligo discusses exercising with a heart condition.

Watch this video for some expert advice:

Supported by the HSE