Heart Failure Awareness Week 

14th February 2020 - 20th February 2020

What is Heart Failure?

Heart Failure means your heart isnt pumping blood around your body as well as it should. It doesnt mean your heart has stopped working, however you may need support to help it work better.  

What are the Symptoms of Heart Failure?

The main symptoms of heart failure are:

• Shortness of breath when you’re active or resting, because you’re not getting enough oxygen.

• Swollen feet, ankles, stomach and around the lower back area, caused by fluid build up.

• Feeling unusually tired or weak because there’s not enough blood and oxygen getting to your muscles.

You should see your GP immediately if you begin to experience any of these symptoms.

For more information on symptoms and different conditions, Pumping Marvellous has everything you need to know!

Newly Diagnosed?

Well, of course, you feel down being newly diagnosed with heart failure but rewind a little. You are not alone. There are 28 million people diagnosed with an inefficient heart, and if you live in the UK 1 million are your fellow countrymen and women, in the USA the figure is 6 million. I know this doesn’t help, we understand this, and Plumping Marvellous is here to give you a little hope.

Your life won’t stop it will just be different. You have to think about the consequences that you will suffer if you overdo things. You could have a great day and keep busy all day but then be prepared for the next day to be a day where you will need rest. Break up your journeys or duties or tasks by taking mini rests – you’ll soon learn to know your own capabilities.

Telling family can be hard, explaining to children even harder. Pumping Marvellous have created a 'Child's Marvellous Guide to Heart Failure'. This video will help educate the younger generation what heart failure means.

Mood and Heart Failure

It’s normal to feel low or sad from time to time. You may feel down about your symptoms and new limitations, or feel that you have a lack of control over your life.

Some people find it very difficult to live with the uncertainty of having heart failure. But learning about your condition and being involved in making decisions about your treatment will all help you to feel more in control and may help to relieve anxiety. It’s also important to discuss your worries with your family and close friends so they can support you.

Stress affects different people in different ways. People who don’t manage their stress well may turn to unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or snacking on unhealthy foods. Knowing what triggers the stress can help you to tackle the problem. Finding healthy ways of coping with stress and learning to relax can help you manage your heart failure. Read more about coping with stress.

Support Resources

Published: Feb 1, 2021