Healthy Hearts & Happy Minds

08/07/2026

From heart patient to lifesaver: Megan's remarkable journey from three open heart surgeries to answering 999 calls.

At just 23 years old, Megan Hetherington had already survived a stroke, a heart attack and undergone heart surgery at Royal Papworth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Six years later, the 29-year-old from

08/06/2026

Less invasive heart bypass surgery is just as good as the traditional method, Canadian-led study finds. Lancet study also finds patients recovered faster after minimally invasive procedure.

A new Canadian-led study has found that a minimally invasive technique to perform bypass surgery — the most common heart surgery in the world — is as safe as the standard procedure that has been carried out for decades.

08/04/2026

💙 Nobody warned me about the fear. Nor the sleepless nights, the anxiety or the feeling that life would never be the same again.

After a heart attack, heart surgery, ICD or another cardiac event, these feelings are far more common than many people realise.

💙 In this week's episode, I'm talking about the emotional side of cardiac recovery, the "cardiac blues," trauma, and why you are not alone in what you're experiencing.

You can read more or listen now and discover why what you're feeling may be more normal than you think.

Have you had the cardiac blues? Let me know in the comments.

https://myheartandmind.co.uk/is-it-normal-to-feel-like-this/

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Perhaps you've had a cardiac diagnosis, and since then you've been feeling anxious, frightened, overwhelmed, angry, tearful

07/28/2026

💕What would you say to someone you loved if they began to cry after a heart attack or heart surgery?

Would you tell them to stop?
Would you tell them they were weak?

Or would you say:

“You have been through so much.”
“It is all right to feel upset.”
“You do not have to pretend with me.”
“You are not alone.”

My latest Relaxamation invites you to offer that same kindness to yourself. "I Am Allowed to Cry" has been created for anyone experiencing sadness, grief, cardiac blues or emotional overwhelm following a cardiac event or diagnosis.

💕Your feelings do not mean that you are failing.
💕They are part of being human.
💕They may also be part of your healing.

Below is a snippet of the recording. You can read more and listen to the full relaxation here, and take a little time to care for your heart and mind. https://myheartandmind.co.uk/relax-i-am-allowed-to-cry/

07/28/2026

I hope you find this helpful and informative. Watch Papworth Hospital’s new 'Your heart surgery' videos!

This series of videos has been created using real-life appointments and surgeries to guide patients and their loved ones through all stages of heart surgery.

From keeping well while waiting through to the day of surgery and your recovery afterwards, it contains key advice on:

*how to be as fit as possible before surgery
*risks and benefits
*appointments you need to attend
*exercise
*diet and nutrition
*medication
*wound care

and much more!

https://royalpapworth.nhs.uk/our-services/surgery/Cardiac-surgery/patients-guide-cardiac-surgery

07/21/2026

Time for some relaxation: Have you found yourself crying unexpectedly since your heart attack, heart surgery, cardiac arrest or diagnosis?

Perhaps the tears come when someone asks how you are. Perhaps they arrive when a hospital letter falls through the door, when you look at your scar or when you realise how much your life has changed.

You may think you should be grateful or positive. But gratitude does not cancel out grief. You can be thankful that you survived and still feel sad about what happened.

My latest Relaxamation is called I Am Allowed to Cry. It will gently guide you through relaxation, breathing, visualisation and positive affirmations, helping you remember:

I am allowed to cry.
My feelings are part of my healing.
I can feel deeply and still move forward.

Your tears are not a weakness. You do not always have to pretend that you are all right. Find your peace and listen to the latest episode https://myheartandmind.co.uk/relax-i-am-allowed-to-cry/

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Crying is OK after a heart attack, surgery or cardiac diagnosis.

07/14/2026

🫀 Did you know your heart is the most powerful generator of electromagnetic energy in your body? Today I talk about the "Magnetic Field Theory", the idea that your heart and brain are constantly "handshaking" via electromagnetic signals. During bypass surgery, that handshake gets interrupted. This is why you might feel "out of sync" during recovery. The good news? You can help them find their song again. Join me for a deep dive into the rhythm of recovery.

You can read or listen here: https://myheartandmind.co.uk/understanding-pumphead-and-the-heart-brain-connection/

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07/13/2026

NHS to reward people who walk 30 minutes a day.

Getting your steps in has long been linked to better health - and for the first time the NHS-backed scheme will start giving people rewards for doing exercise.

Early next year, NHS England will launch a "marathon a month" challenge, asking people to walk for around 30 minutes a day.

Those who do it every day will hit roughly 26 miles a month - the distance of a marathon.

Users will be able to log their walks online, or through their phone or smartwatch.

And the NHS says those who complete the challenge will then be eligible for rewards - which could include incentives and discounts.

The "marathon a month" scheme, developed with former Olympic medallist Sir Brendan Foster, will launch early next year.

07/07/2026

I’m fixed, so why do I feel so... foggy? If you’ve had heart surgery and feel a bit disconnected from yourself, you aren’t losing your mind. You’re likely experiencing what we call "Pumphead" (Post-Perfusion Syndrome).

It’s not just you, it’s a very real part of the recovery journey. I’m diving into the "Magnetic Field Theory" in my latest in my latest findings, I explore why our heart and brain sometimes need a little help finding their rhythm again after surgery. You’re not broken; you’re just recalibrating.

You can read or listen here: https://myheartandmind.co.uk/understanding-pumphead-and-the-heart-brain-connection/

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Explore Pumphead and the Heart Brain Connection after surgery. Understand the emotional and cognitive effects of your recovery.

06/29/2026

Have you ever wondered if Yoga can help with your cardiac recovery? Here's my friend, Simpson https://www.facebook.com/theheartattackthriver, sharing the value and benefits he has found. He was invited to take part in Toronto Sunnybrook’s Celebration of International Yoga Day while he was back in Canada! It's interesting to hear about the research that they are undertaking too. It's a two-minute watch. Enjoy and be inspired.