When people refer to heart disease, they are often speaking about coronary heart disease (CHD) — also known as coronary artery disease. This condition is one of the leading causes of death both globally and here in the UK.
When people speak about heart disease, they may also use the term cardiovascular disease (CVD). While CVD includes a range of conditions — such as high blood pressure or diseases affecting the blood vessels — at Response Care, we focus specifically on coronary heart disease (CHD) when providing tailored care for the heart.
Coronary heart disease is a long-term condition, and individuals living with it often require both physical and emotional support. With the right care in place, many people with heart disease continue to live full, meaningful lives.
Live-in care offers an ideal solution for those needing extra support — providing not only assistance with daily tasks, but also companionship, reassurance, and consistency. Having a trained care professional living in the home ensures safety, promotes wellbeing, and supports a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Coronary heart disease occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by a build-up of fatty deposits — known as atherosclerosis. Over time, this can restrict blood flow, placing extra strain on the heart and increasing the risk of serious events such as angina, heart attacks, or heart failure.
Common risk factors include:
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Family history of heart disease
A sedentary lifestyle
Doctors typically assess risk by reviewing your medical history, family background, and lifestyle. They may also carry out blood tests and recommend diagnostic imaging such as CT scans, MRIs, or coronary angiography to investigate further.
Symptoms of coronary heart disease can vary widely and may not always be obvious in the early stages. In many cases, symptoms only become noticeable after a diagnosis or during a cardiac event.
Some of the more common symptoms include:
Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
Shortness of breath
Pain radiating through the arm, neck, jaw, or back
Light-headedness or feeling faint
Nausea or a general sense of unwellness
If any of these symptoms are experienced suddenly or severely, immediate medical attention should be sought.
At Response Care, our live-in carers are trained to support individuals with heart disease — offering help with medication, nutrition, mobility, and emotional wellbeing. Our aim is to ensure each person feels safe, supported, and empowered to live life on their own terms.
A person living with heart disease will need long-term support and care, not just physically but also emotionally. Even if someone has been diagnosed with heart disease, they should still be able to live a fulfilling life with a bit of extra care and support.
Having a care professional move into the home can provide the emotional support, companionship and care that a person living with heart disease may require.
Coronary heart disease is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked by a build-up of fatty substances in the arteries.
Doctors will carry out risk assessments for patients who they believe may be at risk of heart disease – they may take blood tests as well as ask questions about your medical history, lifestyle and family background. Following this, they may do an MRI, coronary angiography or CT (computerised tomography) scan.
The symptoms can vary between person to person and often some may not be experienced until after diagnosis – which is why tests are generally carried out based on medical and family history.
Common symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath, pain through the body, feeling faint and/or dizzy, and nausea.
When discussing heart disease, the term usually refers to coronary heart disease (CHD) — a condition caused by a narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to fatty deposits. This can limit the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
One of the most common symptoms of CHD is angina — a type of chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. It’s estimated that around 2 million people in the UK are currently living with angina.
Coronary heart disease can lead to serious complications such as:
Heart attacks
Heart failure
These complications are among the most common reasons for hospital admissions related to heart disease. While there is currently no cure for CHD, early diagnosis, lifestyle management, and ongoing care can help individuals live longer, healthier lives and reduce the risk of further complications.
Treatment and ongoing care can significantly reduce the risk of further complications and improve day-to-day quality of life. Whether care is needed following a hospital stay, surgery, or simply to help manage the condition on a daily basis, a tailored support plan is key.
Lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity and adopting a heart-healthy diet
Stopping smoking or vaping
Medication to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, or other symptoms
Angioplasty, a medical procedure to open narrowed arteries
Surgery, including bypass procedures in more advanced cases
The type of care required will vary depending on the individual’s condition, recovery stage, and level of independence. Care may be needed short-term following surgery or long-term to manage symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
Residential care homes – for general daily support in a social environment
Assisted living – offering more independence with support when needed
Domiciliary care (visiting care) – for those who need scheduled, lighter-touch help at home
Live-in care – for dedicated, one-to-one care delivered within the comfort of home
Nursing care homes – for complex needs, particularly following heart attacks or for end-of-life care
24-hour care – when round-the-clock support is required due to serious complications
For those recovering from surgery or hospitalisation, or those living with ongoing complex cardiac conditions, live-in care offers a highly personalised solution. A live-in carer can support recovery at home, reduce hospital readmissions, and help individuals maintain their routine, independence, and dignity.
This type of care can include:
Support with medication and treatment plans
Mobility assistance
Monitoring symptoms and responding to changes
Help with personal care and household tasks
Preparing heart-healthy meals and encouraging physical activity
Companionship and emotional support
For more intensive support needs, 24-hour care or nursing-led care may be more appropriate — ensuring continuous supervision, especially for those at high risk of cardiac events or complications.
At Response Care, we provide specialist live-in care for individuals living with heart disease. Whether someone requires help with recovery following a heart attack or surgery, or ongoing support to manage a chronic condition, our carers are trained to provide high-quality, compassionate care within the home.
Our approach centres around maintaining independence, comfort, and emotional wellbeing — offering a tailored care solution that adapts to your needs. With dedicated, one-to-one support, our clients are empowered to live safely and confidently in the place they feel most at ease — their own home.
