Heart failure means your heart has stopped beating
MYTH: heart failure does not mean you heart has stopped beating. Heart failure occurs when your heart muscle or valves have been damaged and so your heart is not able to pump blood around your body as well as it should.
Heart failure can kill
FACT: heart failure is a very serious condition and can shorten your life. However, by working with your doctor and nurse you can get effective treatments and make changes to your lifestyle that will both ease your symptoms and also prolong your life.
Heart failure is common
FACT: Currently up to 14 million people in Europe have heart failure and this number is rising all the time.
Heart failure can not be treated
MYTH: There are many treatments available for heart failure that are very effective at reducing symptoms and delaying the progression of the condition. You should discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
If you have heart failure you shouldn't exercise
MYTH: It is very important for people with heart failure to exercise. However, it is also important that you don't overdo it. The right amount of exercise can help to improve blood flow and alleviate some of your symptoms. To learn more about exercising with heart failure, click here.
Heart failure is a normal consequence of getting old
MYTH: Although most people with heart failure are elderly, heart failure is not necessarily a part of the ageing process. It is a very serious cardiovascular condition that can be prevented and greatly helped with available treatments.