Heart failure
Heart failure is when the heart is weakened and cannot pump blood fast enough to the body. Weakening of the heart can be due to a number of diseases. The most common cause is coronary heart disease (CHD).
The main symptoms of heart failure are breathlessness and swelling, caused by an excess of salt and water in the body. The breathlessness is usually worse on exercise and when lying flat.
How can Birmingham OwnHealth help me with my heart failure?
With the support of your Care Manager, you can:
- Know when to call for help
- Learn about your heart failure and set goals
- Take your heart medications correctly
- Get the tests and services you need
- Take steps to control your heart failure
- Make lifestyle changes to feel better
- Learn ways to solve problems
- Keep your appointments
Useful links
- Equip
NHS website with links to information-rich websites and a list of support groups and services related to heart disease. The websites have been accredited by staff at NHS West Midlands and are aimed at the public - Smokefree West Midlands
NHS stop smoking advice and support in Birmingham. - Heart UK
The UK’s cholesterol charity, helping to prevent premature deaths caused by high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. - Heart Research UK
News, grants information and advice on keeping your heart healthy from this national charity. - British Cardiac Patients Association
Support, reassurance and practical advice for patients, their families and carers. - British Heart Foundation
Charity fighting heart and circulatory disease, funding research, education and life-saving equipment and helping heart patients, including local Cardiac Support Groups. - Birmingham LINk
Birmingham Local Involvement Network (LINk) helps local people and organisations to speak with one voice, influencing key decision makers in improving health and social care service provision across the city. You can support Birmingham LINk by becoming an active member and letting them know about the issues affecting your community.
