Managing your medicines

Medicines

It’s important that you take your heart failure medicine as prescribed so that you get the best possible outcome from your treatment.

You will most likely be prescribed more than one medicine, and during the day there may be many dosing times to remember. It may be helpful to write your medicines into a medicine chart, which helps you to remember which medicines are to be taken when. Bring the medication chart with you to each appointment with your doctor or nurse to show them what you are taking. They can then make any changes to your medicines directly into your chart.

If you have had a device fitted for a heart rhythm problem or for heart failure symptoms, it’s still important that you take your medicines as directed. Devices are usually provided to patients in addition to their drug treatment. You should also have your device checked regularly and be prepared to inform the doctor or nurse about your current medicine use. Follow any specific recommendations your doctor has given you regarding your daily activities and work

Regular tests and check-ups are essential. When you visit your doctor or nurse, make sure you book your next appointment before you leave.

Click on any of the links below for tips and tools for remembering to take your medicine.

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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