Heart conditions can affect how you feel emotionally as well as physically. It’s common to experience anxiety, fear, low mood, or depression. Some people may also feel traumatised after a serious heart event.
You might find you feel more vulnerable or less safe, which can lead to avoiding certain activities or becoming more cautious in everyday life. This can impact your confidence, daily functioning, and overall quality of life.
For some people, heart-related events can be sudden and distressing, and may lead to upsetting or intrusive memories.
Organisations that can help
Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke
Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke offers a wide range of support for people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions, as well as their families and carers. This includes support groups, walking programmes, and counselling.
- Telephone: 028 9032 0184
- Web: NICHS | Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke
British Heart Foundation
The British Heart Foundation provides a free helpline for patients and carers. You can speak directly to a cardiac nurse about any questions or concerns related to heart and circulatory conditions.
- Helpline: 0300 330 3311
- Web: British Heart Foundation
Helpline opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm.
Cardiomyopathy UK
Offers information and support for people living with cardiomyopathy. Services include online support groups, a nurse helpline, and peer telephone support.
- Helpline: 0800 018 1024
- Web: Cardiomyopathy UK
HEART UK – The Cholesterol Charity
Provides information and support for people with high cholesterol, as well as advice for families and healthcare professionals.
- Telephone: 01628 777046
- Web: HEART UK
Heart Failure Matters
This website, developed by the European Society of Cardiology, offers clear information and practical advice for people with heart failure, as well as their families and carers.
Pumping Marvellous Foundation
A heart failure charity offering helpful resources such as guides, videos, podcasts, and online communities to support people living with heart failure.
Web: Pumping Marvellous
Heart Failure Warriors NI
A local, patient- and carer-led support group for people affected by heart failure. The group aims to improve quality of life and provide peer support. A new group is starting soon in the Northern Trust area.
- Telephone: 07355 695734
- Email: info@heartfailurewarriorsni.com
- Web: Heart Failure Warriors NI
You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Northern Trust Cardiology Services
Read about Northern Trust Cardiology Services.