My Heart & Mind with Sallie Crawley - Life after a Heart Attack or Cardiac Surgery
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.
My Heart & Mind with Sallie Crawley - Life after a Heart Attack or Cardiac Surgery
Ejection Fraction (EF) – Understanding Your Heart’s Strength
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 mean
- Why EF matters for your energy, oxygen flow, and overall wellbeing
- How EF is measured and what to ask your doctor
- Practical steps to support your heart, including diet, exercise, and stress management
- A gentle, actionable “Heart-Pump Boost” activity to help you feel more connected to your heart and empowered in your recovery
Why Listen:
This episode is for anyone recovering from a heart event, living with heart disease, or supporting a loved one. It’s about understanding your heart’s current strength, learning simple tools to improve wellbeing, and moving from fear to freedom — step by step, beat by beat.
Actionable Takeaways
Try the Heart-Pump Boost, a short daily practice to connect with your heart, reduce stress, and build confidence in your recovery journey. Simple step-by-step instructions are included in the episode.
Resources:
Take control of your heart health! After a heart attack or cardiac surgery, understanding the medical terminology is crucial. This FREE Heart Health Terminology Cheat Sheet empowers you to understand what your healthcare providers are saying. Imagine being able to confidently discuss your condition, ask the right questions, and actively participate in your treatment.
Download your FREE cheat sheet and start feeling more empowered about your heart health journey.
Links:
- Learn more about EF: American Heart Association – Ejection Fraction
- EF explained: Cleveland Clinic – Ejection Fraction
- Join the conversation: Share your experience, questions, or reflections in the comments or contact me via My Heart & Mind Community.
Read the complete article here Podcast & Blog Page.
Getting to know Sallie Crawley
Survivorship after a heart attack or cardiac surgery can be challenging. You can rebuild the puzzle of your life and thrive. It takes one beat at a time and the support of people who have had similar experiences. You are not alone. Join me and other hearties in the My Heart & Mind Community, you'll get a warm welcome. You can also visit my website www.myheartandmind.co.uk.
Disclaimer
The information contained within my podcast and on my website is for general information purposes only. It is not official health advice and is not intended to be used as such. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website is strictly at your own risk. If you have any questions relating to specific health concerns or you think you may be suffering from a medical condition, you must consult a medical professional immediately. You must also consult a medical professional before making any changes to your normal lifestyle habits. You can read my full disclaimer here.