WHAT IS HEART FAILURE?

Heart failure occurs when the heart is damaged and fails to pump blood effectively around the body.

The commonest cause is from coronary artery disease (often following heart attacks). The symptoms from heart failure include breathlessness, swollen legs (oedema) and lethargy.

Medication can be given to not only relieve symptoms but can also improve heart function and prolong life.

Below is the algorithm for the investigation and treatment of heart failure which has been adopted by West Cheshire, Wirral and North Wales. This involves a team approach utilising the expertise of specialist Heart Failure Nurses (pictured above) working with GPs, Practice Nurses and Hospital Doctors all in close contact with the patient.

Prof John Somauroo is chairman of the Cheshire and South Wirral Regional Heart Failure Committee and lectures nationally (including at the Royal College of Physicians, London) on management of heart failure.

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