Frequently asked questions

This section contains some of the questions and concerns that people often have about heart failure and its management.

Click on any of the questions below for a general answer. If you can’t find the question you’re looking for, it may be listed in the section on Questions to ask your doctor.

For answers more specific to you and your condition you should talk to your doctor or other health care provider.

About heart failure

What is heart failure?

How common is heart failure?

Who gets heart failure?

Is heart failure just a normal consequence of getting old?

How serious is heart failure?

Can heart failure be cured?

How long will I live with heart failure?

What causes heart failure?

Signs and symptoms

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

I get very breathless at night. How can I improve this?

I have noticed that I am gaining weight. What should I do?

I have noticed that I am losing weight. What should I do?

I have lost my appetite. What should I do?

I need to get up in the night to go to the toilet. How can I stop this?

When should I seek urgent medical assistance?

Tests

How is heart failure diagnosed?

What tests will I have and why?

Lifestyle

How should I change my diet?

What should I avoid eating?

Should I limit how much fluid I drink?

How much salt can I have?

Do I have to stop drinking alcohol?

Where can I find more information on healthy recipes?

Do I have to stop exercising?

What types of exercise are safe?

How much exercise should I take?

Can I still lift my grandchildren?

Do I have to stop smoking?

Treatment

Will I need to take medicines for the rest of my life?

How can I make taking my medicines simpler?

Will natural remedies or nutritional supplements help my heart failure?

What happens if I miss a dose?

How do I know if I need a device such as a pacemaker, CRT or ICD?

Do I have to have an operation under general anaesthetic to have a pacemaker / ICD / CRT fitted?

Will I need surgery now that I have been diagnosed with heart failure?

Should I participate in a clinical trial?

Living with heart failure

Can I still have sex?

Is it safe for me to drive?

Am I still able to work?

Is it safe for me to fly?

Will I be able to live a normal life after receiving a device?

Will I be able to get travel insurance now that I have heart failure?

Is it safe for me to have vaccinations?

How can I tell my family that I have heart failure?

Where can I get more support?

Caregivers

What are the best ways I can help someone with heart failure?

How can I get some support?