Healthy Heart

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), is a general term for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It includes all heart and circulatory diseases, including coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, congenital heart disease, hypertension and stroke. These can occur when there is a gradual build-up of fatty deposits within the body's artery walls, which cause narrow arteries and restrict the blood flow to the heart.

In 2022 around 110,000 people were living with a heart and circulatory disease in Leicestershire, causing around 200 deaths each month.

However, being active can reduce your risk of developing some heart and circulatory diseases by as much as 35%. The heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle it needs physical activity or exercise to help it work properly.

Frequently Asked Questions - Healthy Heart

Can I be active with a heart condition?

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:43

The short answer is: yes. It's just as important for those with a heart condition to exercise. In fact, leading a healthy, active lifestyle can prevent many heart complications later on.

Getting active with a heart condition: Where to start?

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:44

To reduce your risk of heart and circulatory diseases, it is important to make physical activity part of your day-to-day life. Remember, every movement matters.

Whilst you may need to be careful with certain CVD conditions you should aim to take part in the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.

Some suitable physical activity suggestions for those living with a heart condition:

  • Try to break periods of sitting as often as possible
  • If you sit at a desk or screen all day, try some chair-based exercises
  • Do some gardening or housework
  • Walk part of your journey to work if you can
  • When you go to the work or the shops, try parking at a further car parking space

For more ideas to get started, check out our Active by Age section, for hints and tips on how to move more for your age and ability.

When to avoid exercising with a heart condition:

As there are so many types of heart condition, there's no 'one size fits all' advice. You should always consult your GP about any lifestyle changes if you're unsure, but you should consider avoiding exercise if:

  • You're feeling ill, discomfort or fatigued - stop and consider doing something a little more relaxing until you feel better. Don't force exercise if you're not feeling very well and be patient with yourself.
  • You've recently undergone surgery or treatment - the hospital will likely recommend taking a break from physical activity so your body doesn't become fatigued. Be sure to listen to their advice.
  • Anything hurts - a little discomfort can be natural as you start exercising. However, you should stop and seek professional advice if anything really hurts.
  • Your GP or specialist has recommended it - You should always consult your GP or specialist LTC Healthcare Professional when taking on a new exercise regime. If your GP does recommend rest for a short time, be sure to follow this advice.

How can physical activity help?

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:43

Being inactive can lead to fatty material building up in your arteries (the blood vessels that carry blood to your organs). If the arteries that carry blood to your heart get damaged and clogged, it can lead to a heart attack. If this happens in the arteries that carry blood to your brain it can lead to a stroke. The good news is physical activity can help. Being regularly physically active:

  • Helps control your blood pressure and keep it within healthy levels
  • Raises your levels of good cholesterol, and reduces the bad cholesterol
  • Can help to control your blood glucose levels, reducing your risk of Type 2 diabetes
  • Increases the number of calories you burn and helps you maintain a healthy weight
  • Boosts your mood, improving your concentration and memory, and helping you sleep better

Symptom specific advice:

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:45

A temporary increase in pain is normal and does not represent tissue damage. It will stop once your body adapts.

Heraldo's Story

"When I'm active, it's as if my body releases some sort of drug that makes me feel good about myself." - Heraldo

Visit We Are Undefeatable for more information and inspiration on how you can get active.

You can also meet our Let's Get Moving Champions who share their inspirational stories on how they have stayed active this year!

Get Active

If you are ready to move more and feel better, there are a range of activities and sessions to help you meet your activity goal. Be sure to find something you enjoy!


Resources for Heart Health


You are performing the exercises linked from our website at your own risk.

Whilst every effort has been made to verify the information on the Heart Health page, Active Together is not responsible for the accuracy or content of external websites. Whilst taking part in physical activity, participants should ensure they take part at a level which is appropriate to them and their health and are responsible for ensuring they check the credentials and health and safety requirements for each activity. It is recommended that participants follow the Chief Medical Officers Guidelines for physical activity. Participants will choose to utilise these links and take part in activities at their own risk.


For Healthcare Professionals

It is important to have conversations with those living with heart conditions about the importance of physical activity. Physical activity as a treatment for long-term health conditions is a consensus backed by rigorous evidence.

Our Active Medicine page supports local healthcare professionals with promoting the benefits of physical activity, including Physical Activity and Health training, E-Learning resources, and healthy conversation skills.

The fantastic Moving Medicine resource hosts step-by-step guides to have quality conversations with patients about physical activity for Heart Disease - from 1 - 5 minute conversation opportunities.