Claim OwnershipHeart & Mind - Life after a Heart Attack or Cardiac Surgery
Subscribed: 7Played: 42
Subscribe
© 2026 Heart & Mind - Life after a Heart Attack or Cardiac Surgery
Description
You survived the heart attack, cardiac surgery, or cardiac arrest, but now what? Life after a heart event can feel overwhelming, lonely, and uncertain. Your body may be healing, but your mind and emotions are still catching up.
Friends say you’re lucky to be alive, and you know you are. But inside, you’re dealing with fear, exhaustion, and grief. You’ve been given a second chance, but you don’t know how to make the most of it. Your confidence is shaken, your energy is low, and no one really talks about how recovery is more than just medication and exercise.
That’s where My Heart & Mind with Sallie Crawley comes in — the podcast designed specifically for people recovering from a heart attack, heart surgery, cardiac arrest, or living with heart disease. You’ll get emotional support, mindset tools, and practical strategies to help you rebuild your life - one breath, one step, one day at a time.
Unlike medical podcasts that focus on clinical facts, My Heart & Mind is about the emotional and mental rehab you didn’t know you needed. Each episode blends Sallie’s personal experience as a heart patient with expert tips, inspiring interviews, guided visualisations, and real talk about how to manage fatigue, fear, and the inner critic.
Sallie Crawley is a heart attack survivor, cardiac coach, and certified practitioner in mind-body wellbeing. She understands firsthand the rollercoaster of emotions that come after a cardiac event, and she’s helped hundreds of people navigate recovery with more hope, clarity, and self-compassion.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, weeks, months or even years into your recovery, or maybe supporting a loved one through theirs, this podcast will help you feel less alone and more in control. Tune in to learn how to manage your energy, shift your mindset, and find joy and purpose again - so you can live not just longer, but happier and better.
🎧 Follow now to start healing from the inside out.
57 Episodes
Reverse
Can You Really Go on Holiday After a Heart Attack or Surgery? Here’s How to Travel Without Worry Planning a holiday after a heart attack, heart surgery, or living with heart disease can feel overwhelming. Should you fly? Is hot weather dangerous? What about travel insurance? What if something happens while you’re away?In this episode, I gently walk you through how to travel safely and confidently after a cardiac event, covering the practical steps and the emotional preparation...
The hospital fixed your heart, but who is helping you heal your mind? After 55 episodes of navigating the emotional, mental, and practical side of heart recovery together, I have some big news to share. As we look toward the future of this community, I want to make sure our "signpost"—the name and look of this show—is as clear and welcoming as possible for the person who needs it most. In this episode, I’m announcing a major rebrand and I want YOU to help me choose our new n...
A relaxamation to help you adapt to life’s changes after a heart attack or cardiac surgery. I will guide you through a gentle journey of relaxation and with the affirmation “I adapt and adjust to what is.” You'll learn how to reduce resistance, find emotional flexibility, and rebuild confidence. What You’ll Experience: Progressive body relaxationA quiet the mindThe affirmation “I adapt and adjust to what is”Emotional groundingRenewed confidence in your ability to adaptSelf-Reflect...
End-of-life planning doesn’t have to be scary. In this episode, Sallie Crawley gently guides you through how to plan your care, medical wishes, and farewell in a way that brings clarity, comfort, and peace for both you and your loved ones. Through heartfelt personal stories, practical advice, and compassionate guidance, Sallie shows how even small decisions—from choosing music for a ceremony to writing a will can transform fear into reassurance, grief into meaningful remembrance, and uncertai...
In this episode, I will explain what vasodilators are, the difference between short-acting and long-acting nitrates, and how to use GTN spray and tablets safely. Learn about common side effects, emergency tips, and practical advice for living confidently with angina. Key Points Covered: How vasodilators work to improve blood flow and reduce heart workloadShort-acting vs long-acting nitratesStep-by-step instructions for GTN tablets and sprayWhat to do in an angina emergencyCommon side effects ...
Reclaiming Your Life Story: Why “A Heart Attack” or “The Heart Attack” Matters More Than “My Heart Attack”. The words we use to describe a health event can influence how we cope, heal, and view ourselves. In this episode, I explore why saying “a heart attack” or “the heart attack” instead of “my heart attack” can empower recovery, reduce fear, and help you reclaim your story. You’ll learn practical tips for shifting language, distancing yourself from illness labels, and building emotion...
I will guide you through a relaxamation session that supports balanced living and moderation during the festive season. Using gentle relaxation, body awareness, and the affirmation “I trust myself to find balance and moderation”, this session helps people living with cardiac conditions enjoy celebrations with confidence and calm. Not sure what a Relaxamation is? You can find more information here: Episode 22 called Relaxamations Explained - The Big Calm & The Feel-Good Factor Who It’s For...
Today, I explore the hidden psychology behind why it can be so difficult to quit smoking after a cardiac event, especially when you’ve tried before. Discover how your brain’s limbic system tricks you into believing you can’t cope without nicotine, and how to rewire that inner dialogue using calm, compassionate, and evidence-based tools. What You’ll Learn: The real reason your brain resists quitting - and it’s not lack of willpowerHow to spot the “limbic lies” that tell you you’ll ...
Intimacy, love, and sexual connection can feel complicated after a heart attack, cardiac arrest or surgery but they are a vital part of your recovery and emotional wellbeing. In this episode, Sallie Crawley walks you through the challenges, practical strategies, and gentle steps to help you reconnect with your partner and with yourself. You’ll learn: Common sexual and intimacy challenges after heart surgery or a heart attackWhy these challenges happen, from medications to emotional stressHow ...
Understanding your ejection fraction (EF) can feel confusing, especially after a heart attack, heart surgery, or when living with heart disease. In this episode I break down EF in simple, relatable terms and explains why it matters for your heart health. You’ll learn: What ejection fraction is and what the numbers meanWhy EF matters for your energy, oxygen flow, and overall wellbeingHow EF is measured and what to ask your doctorPractical steps to support your heart, including diet, exer...
Discover how to boost your happiness and improve your heart health after a cardiac event. In this episode, I explain how stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline impact your recovery, and how “happy hormones” - dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins - can help you feel joyful, motivated, and connected. Learn practical tips for regulating these hormones and reclaiming your life after heart surgery or a heart attack. Key Takeaways: Understanding stress vs. happy hormonesHow cortisol ...
Many people worry about whether alcohol is off-limits after a cardiac event. In this episode, I explore the effects of alcohol on the heart, the truth about moderation, and practical strategies to enjoy life safely. Learn: How alcohol affects heart health and medicationsWhat moderation really looks likePractical tips for reducing intake without feeling deprivedBenefits of mindful drinking and reducing alcohol for heart recovery Resources & References: NHS: Low-risk drinking guidelin...
Me, Myself, and I, today I tackle the myth that self-care is selfish and learn why it's actually an essential practice for our well-being after a heart attack or cardiac surgery. I use the powerful analogy of the airplane oxygen mask to understand why we must take care of ourselves first before we can effectively help others. I also dive into the transformative power of mindset, sharing a personal journey from self-criticism to self-love. Learn how changing your thoughts can lead to lasting c...
In today’s guided Relaxamation, I invite you to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the truth that happiness is your right and not a reward or something you have to earn. Whether you’re recovering from a heart attack, adjusting to life with heart failure, or living with any form of heart disease, this is your time to remember: you can feel joy, peace, and calm—even in the midst of uncertainty. You’ll be gently guided through a soothing body relaxation, followed by a powerful repetition of the ...
Today, we're talking about A powerful tool to help you manage those overwhelming moments of worry, stress, and anxiety that can often accompany a cardiac event: creating your very own Self-Soothing Toolbox. Sallie shares why this "emergency kit" for your emotions is so much more than just a coping mechanism – it's a proactive step towards improving your mental and physical health. She explains how to create your personalised box, from decorating your chosen container to filling it with items ...
What are the early months after a heart attack really like?" It's a question that brings back memories of my own uncertainty after leaving the hospital, stepping back into a life that suddenly felt unfamiliar. I just didn't have a clue what to expect! In this episode, I'll explore what those first few days, weeks, and months can bring, both physically and emotionally, and share how you can navigate them with strength and hope. Important Disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional. This episode...
Today, I'm diving deep into a topic I touched on previously in episode 035, about "Can trauma and PTSD be caused by a heart attack, cardiac arrest, or open-heart surgery." This time, I want to share how even after a traumatic event, feeling good is not only possible but something you're absolutely allowed to do. I'm talking about moving From Trauma to Triumph: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) versus something truly transformative – Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG). In this episode, I'll share...
Summer can bring unique challenges for those with cardiac conditions. This episode provides actionable advice on staying cool, hydrated, and recognising the signs of heat-related stress, all tailored to help you protect your heart. Sallie shares her expertise and personal insights, guiding you through crucial precautions and lifestyle adjustments that can make a significant difference during hot spells. Key Takeaways: Understanding the risks of heat on cardiac health.Practical tips for stayin...
I challenge the notion that "you can't think yourself better" after a life-altering cardiac event. While it's crucial to acknowledge the trauma and negative emotions, we delve into the powerful connection between your mindset and your cardiac recovery. We explore: The Nuance of Positive Thinking: It's not about being relentlessly positive, but understanding how your thoughts influence your feelings, actions, and behaviours.The Thought-Action Link: How a negative thought can derail your plans ...
Today I’ve been thinking about how much energy we spend trying to predict, control or prepare for every possible outcome in life… especially when we’re living with a health condition. It’s completely natural, we want certainty because it feels safe. And when your body isn’t behaving predictably, or when your health is uncertain, it’s easy to feel like the ground beneath you is shifting. Even the smallest decisions can feel overwhelming. Will I feel well enough today? What will the test result...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States