Exercising With Heart Failure After Heart Valve Surgery – Chris’s Story
Chris had exercised throughout her adult life and considered herself fit and in good health. So, at the age of 74, becoming breathless and discovering that she had heart failure caused by problems with two heart valves came as a huge surprise.
Her journey since then has included open-heart surgery, strokes during surgery, cardiac rehabilitation and having a CRT device and defibrillator fitted.
Now approaching her 80th birthday, Chris continues to attend regular face-to-face cardiac exercise classes and values both the physical and social benefits they provide.
This is Chris’s experience, in her own words.
“I will now be 80 next birthday and feel extremely lucky to exercise regularly at face-to-face classes.”
Chris’s experience at a glance
Heart condition: Heart failure following problems with two heart valves
Age when diagnosed: 74
Heart surgery: Open-heart surgery in 2021
Valve procedures: Aortic valve replacement and mitral valve repair
Additional complication: Strokes during surgery
Cardiac rehabilitation: Phase 3 followed by ongoing Phase 4 cardiac exercise
Cardiac device: CRT device and defibrillator fitted in 2023
Ongoing consideration: Low ejection fraction
Exercise now: Regular face-to-face cardiac exercise classes
What Chris values: Continuing to exercise, advice and guidance, friendships and being able to talk to others about their cardiac experiences
Discovering I had heart failure at 74
Until I was 74, I had always thought I had been fit and in good condition, and I had done exercise classes all my adult life.
So it was a big surprise when I became breathless and it was discovered that I had heart failure due to two failed valves.
There is no history of heart problems in my family as far as I know.
The situation was serious and the NHS were wonderful and have been ever since.
Open-heart surgery to replace and repair my heart valves
I had open-heart surgery in 2021, replacing my aortic valve and repairing my mitral valve.
Unfortunately, I suffered several strokes during the surgery and didn’t come round for a few days. When I did, my right arm and leg were numb.
I was in hospital for five weeks and, when I came home, my treatment continued with daily visits from the Stroke Department.
Now I have use of my arm and leg with just peripheral numbness.
Starting Phase 3 cardiac rehabilitation
Eventually, I was accepted for Phase 3 Cardiac Rehab classes.
In Croydon, we are in the lucky position of having Phase 4 classes available privately, and I started these in September 2022.
Three years ago, Lauren took over these classes and we have all benefited since.
Exercising with a CRT device and defibrillator
I had a CRT device and defibrillator fitted in 2023, but returned to classes as soon as I was allowed.
Despite my continued low ejection fraction, I find these classes within my capabilities and of great benefit from both the exercise and social sides.
It makes such a difference to be able to discuss our various worries with each other, and many close friendships have been formed.
For me, the classes aren’t only somewhere to exercise. Being around other people with their own cardiac experiences gives us an opportunity to talk, support one another and enjoy exercising together.
Continuing to exercise as I approach 80
I will now be 80 next birthday and feel extremely lucky to exercise regularly at face-to-face classes.
Lauren is great for us all and is always available with advice and guidance.
Long may it last!
Chris Brown, age 79
More about exercising with a heart condition
Chris’s experience is a reminder that being diagnosed with a heart condition doesn’t necessarily mean that exercise has to disappear from your life.
Her journey has involved significant medical treatment and recovery, and the exercise she does now is appropriate to her own circumstances. Everyone with heart failure, a cardiac device or following heart surgery will have different considerations, so individual medical and exercise guidance is important.
You may also be interested in:
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Real people, different cardiac journeys
No two cardiac journeys are exactly the same.
Chris’s experience of heart failure and heart valve surgery is very different from Karen and Anthony’s experiences following heart attacks. Their stories also show that people’s reasons for continuing cardiac exercise can be different — from improving fitness and progressing exercise to rebuilding confidence, maintaining independence, enjoying social contact and simply continuing to do something they value.
Chris’s story describes her personal experience. Heart failure, heart valve surgery, stroke and implanted cardiac devices can all affect someone’s suitability for and response to exercise. Always follow the individual advice and exercise guidance provided by your cardiac rehabilitation team and healthcare professionals.
