Depression and anxiety

It’s very common for people with heart failure to feel depressed, uneasy or anxious.

Heart failure is a serious condition and the symptoms can leave you feeling worn out and fatigued. In addition, breathlessness can feel constricting and make you feel uneasy and anxious. Symptoms may prevent you from participating in normal activities, limiting your social network. You may also depend on help from family and friends, potentially making you feel that you are a burden to them.

It’s important to have a positive attitude because we know that a positive approach to managing your conditions leads to a better quality of life. If you have any concerns, then share them with your nurse or doctor. Keep taking any medicines prescribed by your doctor as these will help to ease your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. There is a lot that you and your doctor can do to improve your quality of life. Click here to learn more about dealing with your emotions and managing your heart failure.

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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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