It is important to note that no book or website can be a substitute for personal medical advice but can be useful to supplement that advice. For those who wish to understand more about their condtion the following may be helpful:
BOOKS
Understanding Heart Failure by Professor JGF Cleland
Published in Assoc.with the BMA by Family Doctor Books
Updated in 2005. ISBN 1 903474 15 9
WEBSITES
British Cardiac Patients Association
Offers help, support, reassurance and advice to cardiac patients, their families and carers. Provides access to bimonthly magazine and support groups. Click here for further information.
British Heart Foundation
Information and support available for people with heart conditions. This charitable organisation funds research, promotes education and raises money to help buy equipment to treat those with heart disease.
Cardiomyopathy Association
Gives information, support and advice on the main forms of the heart muscle disease known as Cardiomyopathy.
European Society of Cardiology
The ESC launched its first website for patients last year at the annual ESC Congress: www.heartfailurematters.org. This website is dedicated to patients and their carers and gives excellent information on lifestyle and "what you should know". It also contains a series of unique animations to explain what happens to the heart during heart failure.
Heart UK
Offers information, advice and support for people with coronary heart disease and especially those who are at risk of developing inherited high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
National Heart Forum
An alliance of over 50 national organisations working to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and related conditions. Click here to find out more about avoidable coronary heart disease and related conditions in the UK.
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
Provides national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill-health. Click here to view or download guidelines for chronic heart failure.