Understanding Heart Failure

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure occurs when the heart, which functions as a pump, is unable to effectively circulate blood throughout the body. This blood flow is crucial as it delivers oxygen to cells, enabling energy production. When heart failure is present, this pumping mechanism is compromised.

Why Am I So Tired?

Heart failure impacts more than just the heart; it also affects the muscles in the arms and legs. These muscles develop a higher concentration of sprint fibers, allowing for brief bursts of activity followed by significant fatigue. Additionally, sluggish arteries hinder movement, leading to a delay in oxygen delivery to the muscles needed for physical activity. This sluggishness results in an overall sense of tiredness.

What Can I Do to Feel Better?

Following your doctor’s prescribed medication regimen is essential for managing heart failure. Regular exercise can also greatly enhance your well-being. Exercise helps to increase the endurance of your muscles and speeds up the widening of arteries, ultimately boosting your energy levels.

Start with short sessions of about 10 minutes and gradually increase by 5 minutes each week. Aim to reach 30 minutes per day within five weeks, ensuring that you can maintain a conversation while exercising. Incorporating strength training can further improve your energy, ideally under the guidance of an exercise professional at first. Although initiating an exercise routine may be challenging, persistence over four weeks can lead to noticeable improvements in your condition.

Heart 2 Heart Services

At Heart 2 Heart, we specialize in providing care for individuals living with heart failure. Karen, our Therapy Lead, is actively involved in the National Heart Failure Clinical Programme, focusing on cardiac rehabilitation and multidisciplinary care.

Cardiac Physiotherapy Classes

We offer several classes for cardiac physiotherapy at various locations:
– **Mount Merrion Community Centre**: Mondays at 2:30 PM, 4 PM, and 5:30 PM
– **UCD Sport**: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and Thursdays at 2 PM
– **Killashee Leisure Centre**: Wednesdays at 2 PM
– **Kilcullen Business Campus**: Wednesdays at 7 PM

Booking Information

To book a session, please click here. If you would like us to call you, fill out the callback request form, providing your first name, surname, phone number, and email.

Our office hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 3 PM and Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Please note that we will be closed from Tuesday, December 23rd at 11 AM and will reopen on Monday, January 5th, 2026, at 9 AM. Indicate your preferred call time and submit your query.

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