Living with Heart Failure : A Guide for Patients

Heart failure is one of the most common diseases in western society and it is estimated that over ten million people suffer from this disorder worldwide. In the UK alone, 65,000 new cases are identified each year. Many patients are frightened by the term 'heart failure' and assume that they are facing a death sentence; however, this is not the case. By taking the right medicines and adjusting one's lifestyle in accordance with recommended guidelines most patients can control their symptoms and live a full life. This book, written by an internationally respected authority, provides a clear and easy to understand account of the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. Great care has been taken to avoid the use of jargon and to present the information in an unambiguous readable style, thus making the book accessible to patients and their carers. Consisting of six chapters, this concise text concentrates on the key issues that patients, their families and carers are most concerned about: Is heart failure the end of the road? How does my heart work? Why did it go wrong? How will the doctor decide I have heart failure? What will be the treatment and how will it affect my everyday life? This book will be essential reading for all heart failure patients, their carers and support groups.