Work and a heart condition

Most people with a heart condition will be able to return to work. Some go back to the same role; some make changes and some go to a job that’s physically easier.

If you’re returning to work after a major event like surgery or a heart attack, or you’re thinking of telling your employer about your condition, it’s normal to feel anxious at this time.

You may find your condition has both a physical and emotional impact on you. And you may get effects from any treatment or medication you take. On this page we have information to help and support you through this difficult time, and we answer some of the most common questions about working with a heart condition.

Telling work

If you experience a sudden heart event, like a heart attack, or if you have a long-term condition and start to feel more unwell than usual, it can be difficult to know what to do about work. You might not need much time off work, and you may be happy to tell your boss and your colleagues about your condition. Or you may choose not to tell them until you feel your heart condition is affecting your work. It’s up to you.

One thing to think about is that it may be helpful to let key people know, in case you need to take time off for a hospital appointment or take some sick leave. 

If you’ve been told you might need quite a lot of time off work, it’s probably best to go down the formal route. Every company has different rules, but your first call should be to your line manager or HR department – whichever is easiest. If you are not able to, a partner or a friend could do it for you. 

They should be able to tell you:

• how much sick pay you get and for how long
• what happens if you go past the amount of sick leave your company allows
• arrangements for returning to work - including part-time, a gradual (phased) return to work, or working from home, and aids to help you in the workplace. The organisation you work for may have an occupational health team. Their job is to keep people healthy and well at work, physically and emotionally. They may be able to help you return to work.

Do I have to tell my boss?

You can’t be forced to give any information about your health or your medical history. This is because medical information is considered to be ‘sensitive personal data’ under the data protection regulations. There is an exception to this if an employer says for safety reasons that they will not hire someone who has a particular medical issue.

If you have a disability your employer does have to make reasonable adjustments so you can carry out your role. If this applies to you it could be useful to share details of your condition to work out what adjustments you need. If you refuse to answer questions about your medical condition, your boss wouldn’t be held liable (meaning legally responsible) for failing to make reasonable adjustments.

What if I have to take time off?

Many companies have a policy on sick days and whether or not you will be paid while off sick. Speak to your line manager, HR team or employer to find out more. If you have to take longer term sick leave because of your condition, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay. Find out more about Statutory Sick Pay and other benefits you may be entitled to.

What if I don't get sick pay?

If you don’t get sick pay (for example, if you are a temporary worker or self-employed) or you’re only allowed a limited amount of paid sick leave, which is getting close to the end, you should contact your local Job Centre Plus office. They will help you apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and other benefits you may be eligible for while you are off sick. Find out more about Employment and Support Allowance and other benefits you may be entitled to.

How long will I be off work?

How long you’re likely to be off work depends on the condition you have and your treatment, how well you’re recovering and the type of work you do.

It’s important to notice how you are feeling and think carefully about whether you are ready. Make sure to talk to your GP or specialist when you think you’re ready to go back. They can help you decide when you’re fit enough to start working again. They will also help you decide whether you can return to full-time work straightaway or if a phased return is better for you. A phased return will let you gradually build up your hours until you get back to your normal work pattern.

What if my workplace is not cooperating?

Some people may find it difficult or challenging to return to work. This could be if you don’t get the support you need while you are off sick or your workplace doesn’t make reasonable adjustments when you return.

Contact your HR department first if you have one. They should be able to help you and set out what your rights are. They can also advise you if you want to complain. Depending on how far along you go with a complaint, they should also be able to advise you about legal representation if you want it.

There are also organisations like Acas to help people with this sort of problem. Acas is an independent body that helps sort out disputes between employers and employees.

Citizens Advice can also help you resolve disagreements at work.

I've been told to stop working entirely - what should I do?

If your doctor has recommended that you stop working, or if you've decided you want to stop, it can be very difficult to adjust. You may also be worried about money or how you will fill your day.

Finding new activities you enjoy and find fulfilling can help. This might be taking up a new hobby, making new friends, spending time with family or pets, or taking the time to do something you always wanted to do like DIY projects around your home.

You may find it helps to join an online community or a local support group, where you can share your experiences with other people who have heart conditions.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and gain useful experience. If you had to stop work, volunteering can be a stepping stone back to your regular job or to a new one. It can also be a helpful way to adjust to part-time working or an early retirement. 

Find out more about the range of volunteering opportunities we have at the British Heart Foundation.

Whatever you do, it’s important to give yourself the time you need to get used to your new circumstances. You may well find there is plenty of life after work. Read our 20 tips on how to have a happy retirement. 

Can I go back to the same job?

You might be able to go back to exactly the same job you were doing before, or you might need to talk to your employer about making changes to your workload or role. This may be temporary or permanent.

If your job involves driving, you will need to check with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The DVLA advise on national guidelines for driving and can let you know about any restrictions that may apply to you. You should also let your car insurance company know about your heart condition. If you don’t, your insurance may not be valid. 

If you think you need to switch to a new role, or change direction in your career, you may want to get advice on how to go about this:

* You can get more information or speak to a careers adviser through the National Careers Service in England.

* In Scotland, adults can get careers advice in local careers centres.

* The careers service in Northern Ireland offers advice for people of all ages.

* Call 0800 100 900 to speak to an adviser from Careers Wales.

Can I do manual work?

If you do manual work that involves lifting or moving heavy objects, or operating heavy equipment, you should talk to your GP or heart specialist about it.

If they tell you to avoid it, talk to your employer about what changes they can make to your role to allow you to continue working. This will not always be possible, but most employers will do what they can to help you.

If you get chest pain or discomfort at any time you shouldn't lift heavy objects or operate heavy equipment unless your doctor has said you can. If heavy lifting gives you symptoms such as shortness of breath or palpitations you should talk to your doctor. You might even decide to retrain for a job that will suit you better.

Some of the medications you have been prescribed may also mean that you cannot operate heavy machinery. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are there jobs I can’t do with a pacemaker or ICD?

As a result of your heart condition you may have had a pacemaker or ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) fitted. Speak to your safety officer at your place of work about any magnets, electromagnets or other equipment used. If you are worried about any of the equipment used, your pacemaker or ICD clinic will be able to advise you. 

What if I can't physically do my job anymore?

If your work is very physically demanding, you may find it difficult to continue with a heart condition. The first thing you should do is discuss with your HR team and your line manager whether you can switch to a role that involves less physically strenuous work.

What if I feel mentally unable to do my job?

Some people find they experience stress or feel depressed as a result of getting a diagnosis or starting treatment. It can take time to adjust, and you may benefit from getting some support for your mental health. Speak to your line manager or HR department as a first step and let them know how you feel.

MIND has a lot of useful information on their website, with tips on how to look after your mental health and sources of help and support.

Do I have to disclose my condition at a job interview?

You may decide to leave your current job and find another job that suits you better. If you need to change jobs because of your heart condition, get in touch with your local Jobcentre Plus office. They will be able to tell you more about your options, such as benefits you may be entitled to, and setting up a meeting with a disability employment adviser.

The Equality Act - in Northern Ireland the Disability Discrimination Act - helps protect job applicants against discrimination by not allowing questions about a candidate's health or sickness record before offering a job. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as when it might be necessary to offer adjustments during the selection process, or to decide whether a candidate can carry out an essential part of the job. 

What rights do I have?

The Equality Act states that if you are disabled your employer must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to allow you to return to work, for example adjusting working hours or providing helpful equipment. This may be the case if your heart condition is severe. The Equality and Human Rights Commission offers general information on the Equality Act and the responsibilities employers have.

Heart Helpline & other support:

• Read 10 tips for returning to work after a heart attack
• Meet people with heart disease in our online community
• Organisations like the British Cardiac Patients' Association can also help you get in touch with people like you
• Speak to our cardiac nurses by phone, callback, email or online chat on Heart Helpline (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
• Contact us to talk to our customer care advisors, find your local BHF shop and for any comments, compliments and complaints you may have
• Sign up to our Heart Matters magazine for online information packed with health and lifestyle advice