Support

Research has shown that people with heart failure who have strong emotional and social support manage their condition better and have a more positive outlook on life. However, it’s important to remember that we are all individuals with different needs and abilities. The good news is that if you have heart failure, there are many different sources of support that you can consider.

These include:

  • Your spouse, partner or healthcare provider
    This person will usually be the person closest to you and can offer considerable support in all aspects of your life with heart failure.
  • Friends and family
    Sometimes you may prefer to speak to friends or family about certain matters relating to your heart failure, as you may not wish to burden your partner with all your needs or concerns.
  • Doctors, nurses and other medical staff
    As well as being responsible for treating your heart failure, doctors and nurses can help provide information on emotional support, which may be available from counsellors, and social support that may be available from Social Services. Click here to learn more about the people that may be involved in your care.
  • Heart failure support groups
    Some people find it useful to discuss their feelings and issues with other people who have similar problems and experiences. However, support groups are not for everyone, so don’t feel bad if you try one and find it’s not right for you. There are many other sources of support open to you. You can check your local or national heart foundation for the availability of these groups.
  • Information online
    More and more health information can be found online on websites such as the one you are currently reading. These websites can be an excellent source of information and support for helping you cope with your heart failure. They are also an excellent resource to help educate your partner, family and friends. However, it’s best to use websites from reputable organisations.
  • Patient organisation – visit http://pumpingmarvellous.org/

For links to some useful websites click here.

ESC Guidelines for Heart Failure

What patients need to know

This guide for patients from the European Society of Cardiology aims to provide an overview of the latest evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure.

In particular, it should help patients to understand the:

  • main types of heart failure
  • medicines used to treat heart failure
  • devices that may be appropriate
  • importance of rehabilitation
  • management by a multidisciplinary team
  • importance of self-care in managing your own condition

Learn more

AN ANIMATED JOURNEY THROUGH HEART FAILURE

A series of 9 simple, captivating animations explaining heart failure and its treatment.

These narrated animations explain how a healthy heart works, what happens to it in heart failure and how various treatments work to improve your health.

PATIENT AND CAREGIVERS VIDEOS

In this section you can watch, listen or read interviews with other people with heart failure and their caregivers.

VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

and share your own views and experiences with other patients, families and caregivers.

heartfailurematters.org is a European Society of Cardiology website

The heartfailurematters.org website was developed under the direction of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The ESC is a world leader in the discovery and dissemination of best practices in cardiovascular medicine. Our members and decision-makers are healthcare professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to represent professionals in the field of cardiology in Europe and beyond.

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