Resources for people with heart conditions
Heart disease is a term used to describe a number of conditions that affect the heart and how it works.
How coronary heart disease is diagnosed and treated
Heart failure
Heart disease can cause heart failure. Heart failure happens when the heart is not able to pump blood properly around the body.
This can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
Heart failure can happen either:
- suddenly (acute heart failure)
- gradually over time (chronic heart failure)
Heart failure does not mean your heart has stopped working. It means it needs some support to help it work better.
Heart failure self-management plan
Your heart failure self-management plan will help you manage your condition. It is a guide to managing your heart failure when you are well and how to recognise if you are not well. It also shows you what to do in the event of a flare-up.
Heart failure self-management plan (PDF, 176 KB, 2 pages)
Fluid heart tracker app
When your heart can’t pump as well as normal, fluid may build up in parts of your body causing heart failure symptoms. Checking your weight each day is one way to identify if heart failure is getting worse.
The Fluid Heart Tracker App helps you to track possible fluid retention. It will alert you when your weight increases by more than 2 kg (approx 4lbs) in a 7-day period. This can be a sign that your heart failure is getting worse.
Fluid heart tracker app - irishheart.ie
The Irish Heart Foundation
The Irish Heart Foundation has a range of resources and support services for people with heart failure and their families.
Heart support network - irishheart.ie
Heart support network Facebook group
Group activities are run by experienced moderators.
These include free:
- online exercise classes
- information talks
- health advice
- peer to peer support
Heart support network - facebook.com
Nurse support line
The Irish heart Foundation's nurse support line is run by experienced cardiac nurses.
Phone: 01 6685001
Monday from 9am to 5pm and Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 1pm.
Nurse support line - irishheart.ie
Podcast
‘It’s Cardiac Rehab!’ is a 6 episode podcast series for people who have experienced a cardiac event. Its goal is to help gain a better understanding of cardiac rehabilitation and what it involves.
It’s cardiac rehab podcast series - irishheart.ie
Croí Connects
Croí provides a range of support services to people with heart conditions and their families.
Helpline
This is a free telephone helpline run by cardiac nurse specialists. It is for those living with, or affected by, heart disease and stroke.
Croí Connects is available weekdays from 9am to 5.30pm on 091 544310 or email healthteam@croi.ie.
Online chat
Croí Connects online chats take place every Tuesday.
Croí's telephone helpline and online chats - croi.ie
Videos
Croí Connects has a video series where medical experts answer questions that patients have asked about heart disease, stroke and more
Croí Connects Q&A series - croi.ie
Exercise videos
The Croí physiotherapy and physical activity team have created a series of exercise videos.
If you are new to exercise or have specific health concerns, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider. This is important before starting any exercise routine.
Your healthcare provider can refer you for a fitness assessment through healthteam@croi.ie.
They will be able to decide which exercises suits your needs.
Digital training programme
This digital training programme will teach you how to use Zoom the video, conference, webinar and meeting platform. Many of Croí’s online programmes use this platform.
Zoom training is split into 3 separate classes and runs every Wednesday from 12pm to 1pm.
Digital Training Programme - croi.ie
HSE Exercise videos
HSE physiotherapists have produced home exercise videos. These videos are suitable for people living with long-term or chronic conditions who can exercise safely at home.
The videos include:
- 10-minute warm-up, chair and gentle exercises
- longer full aerobic and resistance exercise sessions
Being active with a health condition
Websites
Other useful websites include: