Frequently asked questions
Practical heart failure questions and answers for patients, carers, clinicians, and service teams. This information is general and does not replace advice from a GP, cardiologist, heart failure nurse, or emergency care team.
Questions shown below are loaded from published FAQ records and filtered for the current visitor role.
Heart failure means the heart is not pumping or filling as well as it should. It is usually a long-term condition that can cause breathlessness, tiredness, swelling in the legs or ankles, and reduced ability to exercise. A GP, cardiologist, or heart failure nurse can help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Call Triple Zero (000) if you have severe breathlessness, chest pain that is severe, worsening or lasting more than 10 minutes, collapse, confusion, or symptoms that feel life-threatening. If symptoms are not immediately life-threatening but you are unsure what to do, contact your GP, heart failure nurse, or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
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