Shortness of breath

HomeHealth A to Z Conditions A to Z

Heart failure

Heart failure is when your heart cannot pump blood properly. It does not mean your heart has stopped working or is about to stop working. There's no cure, but treatment and lifestyle changes can help.

Easy Read

Looking after yourself when you have heart failure (NHS England website, PDF only, 2.39MB)

Symptoms of heart failure

Symptoms of heart failure include:

feeling out of breath when doing everyday activities or lying down

being more out of breath than you would expect when doing physical activity

feeling weak, light-headed or very tired, particularly after moving or doing physical activity

feeling light-headed or dizzy

swelling in your feet, ankles, legs or tummy, or feeling bloated

sudden weight gain

coughing at night

coughing up frothy pink phlegm

When and where to get medical help

If you think you have symptoms of heart failure, it's important to get them checked.

See a GP if:

you have symptoms of heart failure

Ask for an urgent GP appoint or get help from NHS 111 if:

you feel breathless when lying down or from everyday activity

you're coughing up frothy pink phlegm

you have suddenly gained weight

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Call 999 if:

you're having severe difficulty breathing – you're gasping, choking or not able to get words out

your lips or skin are pale, blue or grey – on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or gums

someone has passed out and is not responding normally

Do not drive yourself to A&E.

The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.

Causes of heart failure

There are lots of possible causes of heart failure.

It can happen suddenly, such as after a heart attack or infection, or from long-term strain on your heart from high blood pressure or coronary heart disease, for example.

Other possible causes of heart failure include:

heart valve disease

cardiomyopathy

heart rhythm problems

chronic kidney disease

anaemia

haemochromatosis (a condition that leads to too much iron in your blood)

thyroid problems

Who's most at risk of heart failure

Anyone can get heart failure but you may be more at risk if you:

are 65 or older

are living with overweight or obesity

are pregnant

smoke

drink a lot of alcohol

use cocaine

Tests for heart failure

If the doctor thinks you may have heart failure, they will do some tests to see how well your heart and lungs are working, and refer you to a heart specialist (cardiologist).

Tests for heart failure may include:

asking for samples of your blood and pee

an electrocardiogram (ECG)

scans such as a chest X-ray, echocardiogram and MRI scan

tests to check your lungs, such as a peak flow test and spirometry

You may need to go to hospital for some of these tests.

Types and stages of heart failure

There are different types and stages of heart failure. If you're diagnosed with heart failure, your doctor will discuss the type and stage with you.

The type relates to why your heart is not pumping as well as it should.

The stage of heart failure explains how severe your symptoms are.

Find out more

Understanding heart failure guide (British Heart Foundation)

Heart failure stages explained (British Heart Foundation)

Treatments for heart failure

There is currently no cure for heart failure, but treatment aims to ease symptoms and help prevent your condition from getting worse.

Your treatment will depend on the type and stage of heart failure you have, and your overall health.

Medicines

You may be given different types of medicine to help your symptoms. These include medicines to:

make you pee more to reduce fluid build-up in your body (diuretics), such as furosemide

widen your blood vessels, so your heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood (for example, candesartan or enalapril)

slow your heart down, so it does not need as much oxygen (such as beta blockers)

Surgery

You may need surgery if you have heart failure. This could be to:

improve blood flow from blocked or damaged arteries

repair or replace damaged heart valves

fit a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to control your heart rate or fix an irregular heartbeat

If your heart failure is severe, you may be offered:

a device that helps your heart pump blood properly (left ventricular assist device)

a heart transplant, if treatments are not helping

Cardiac rehabilitation

Everyone diagnosed with heart failure should be offered cardiac rehabilitation.

What you're offered depends on your condition and what's available where you live but may include:

an assessment and advice about how you can safely exercise

exercise classes or a personal exercise programme

guidance, information and support around lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating

support groups and the chance to share your experiences with other people who have heart failure

These programmes may take place in hospital, clinics or in the community, and involve face-to-face or online sessions.

Find out more

Medicines (Pumping Marvellous)

Cardiac devices (Pumping Marvellous)

Cardiac rehabilitation (British Heart Foundation)

How heart failure affects your life

Heart failure is a serious condition that affects everyone differently. Symptoms can vary from day to day and week to week.

While there's currently no cure, treatment and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and keep heart failure stable for many years.

A heart specialist (cardiologist) and care team will talk to you about treatment options and any other changes you may need to make. This will depend on the type of heart failure you have, what's caused it and any other conditions.

If you work, you may need to make adjustments to your job, such as limiting physical activity. Some people may need to stop working entirely.

If you drive, you will need to tell the DVLA about your condition. You should also check with your insurance company.

What happens when heart failure progresses

As part of your treatment you should be referred to a team of doctors and nurses for palliative care (symptom control team or palliative care team).

Palliative care focuses on improving your quality of life and is for anyone who has a lifelong illness that cannot be cured. Palliative care treatment includes:

managing your symptoms

helping you feel more comfortable

thinking about your practical needs, such as equipment you may need at home

supporting your family

end of life care, if appropriate

Find out more

Support with everyday life (British Heart Foundation)

Living with heart failure (British Heart Foundation)

Palliative care guide (Pumping Marvellous)

End-of-life care

Things you can do yourself to help heart failure

If you've been diagnosed with heart failure, there are some things you can do yourself to improve symptoms and help manage your condition.

Do

take medicine as your doctor has prescribed

weigh yourself regularly – a build-up of fluid can cause sudden weight gain and may need treatment

have any vaccinations you're offered, such as the flu vaccine – illness and infections can be more serious if you have heart failure

stay active – you should be referred for a cardiac rehabilitation assessment, which can help you learn how exercise safely

eat a balanced diet

maintain a healthy weight

try to quit smoking

cut down on alcohol, if you drink

NHS Better Health has free tools and support to help you eat better, drink less and quit smoking.

Visit the NHS Better Health website

Help and support for heart failure

Heart failure can be difficult to live with both physically and emotionally.

Being told you have a heart condition can be very scary, and cause stress, anxiety and worries about the future.

As well as support from your doctor and care team, you may find it helpful to get support from other people with heart failure, either at a local support group or online.

There are also national charities that can offer information, help and support.

You can also refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP.

British Heart Foundation

Information and support for anyone affected by a heart condition.

Website: www.bhf.org.uk

Heart Helpline (British Heart Foundation) – call, email or webchat with a cardiac nurse

Your guide to heart failure booklet (British Heart Foundation)

Our online community (British Heart Foundation)

Pumping Marvellous

Dedicated information and support for anyone affected by heart failure.

Website: pumpingmarvellous.org

Community hub (Pumping Marvellous)

Heart failure guide (Pumping Marvellous)

Page last reviewed: 26 June 2026

A Soul on Fire!

October 22, 2026 Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time Readings for Today Saint John Paul II, Pope—Optional Memorial

Miguel Hermoso Cuesta, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Video Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!” Luke 12:49–50 What a powerful image! Jesus declares His desire to set the earth on fire—not just a small fire, but a fire that is already blazing. A small fire gives warmth and light, but a blazing fire consumes everything in its path. Jesus is speaking of the purifying and transforming fire of divine love. This image is a metaphor for the interior union of the soul with God and reveals how divine love, when ignited within us, burns away all that is not of God and sets the soul aflame with holy charity. Through souls ablaze with divine fire, the whole earth can be set spiritually aflame. When Jesus says, “I have come to set the earth on fire,” He is speaking about hearts and souls. He desires that His love so penetrate our being that it radiates outward, illuminating and transforming the world. Saint John of the Cross, one of the greatest mystical doctors of the Church, develops this metaphor beautifully. He teaches that the soul is like a log of wood. At first, the log is cold, hard, and damp. But once it is placed into the fire of God’s love, it begins to change. At first, the fire may cause pain. It crackles and smokes as it purges moisture and impurities. This stage corresponds to the purification of the senses and spirit. The soul must be stripped of worldly attachments and disordered affections. The fire burns away sin, imperfections, and even the soul’s self-will. This purification is necessary for deeper union. As the burning continues, the log becomes more and more like the fire itself. Eventually, the log glows, radiates heat, and becomes one with the flame. So too, the soul that has been purified by grace is gradually transformed into God by love. It no longer only receives God’s love, it becomes love, fully united with the divine will, shining with the radiance of the Holy Spirit. This is what Jesus longs for: not lukewarm souls, but souls so fully inflamed with divine charity that they become living flames, blazing across the earth, igniting other souls, and glorifying the Father. Saint John calls the perfection of this deepening conversion the Living Flame of Love, which not only transforms the soul but delights and glorifies it as it becomes an instrument of God’s own life and action in the world. In this state, the soul no longer lives for itself but for the divine will alone. It is in this fire that the saints are forged. When you look into your own soul, what do you see? Is there a spark of faith, struggling to remain lit? Do the winds of the world, the temptations of the flesh, and the pressures of daily life overpower that flame within you? If so, fan the flame of faith so that it grows and becomes more intense. This is done by entering into the “baptism” into which Jesus was baptized—His sacrificial Passion and Death. By dying with Him, we turn from the selfishness of sin that waters down the fire God sets in our souls. By turning from sin, especially those sins that are hard to overcome, our souls become primed to burn brightly with God’s grace. Reflect today on the fire that Christ came to cast upon the earth. Is your soul burning, smoking, or still untouched by that flame? Are you willing to be set on fire and to undergo the purifications necessary to become one with the divine flame? Allow the Word of God, the Sacraments, and deep prayer to be the sparks that enkindle your soul. Say “Yes” to this baptism of fire, and let your soul become a light to the world. My Lord of blazing Love, You desire to consume me with Your purifying fire, burning away all impurities from my soul, so that I may become one with You and radiate Your warmth and light. Please set me ablaze, dear Lord, not only for my own good, but for the good of others, so that through me, this world may be set aflame with Your glory. Jesus, I trust in You.

God’s Holy Demands

October 21, 2026 Wednesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time Readings for Today

Jesus the Pantokrator and Teacher Among the Angels, by Luigi Cavenaghi Video “That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” Luke 12:47–48 This sobering conclusion to Jesus’ parable about the watchful servant and the thief contains some of His most direct and weightiest teachings on personal responsibility, culpability, and divine justice. The first truth revealed in this passage is that greater knowledge of God’s will brings greater responsibility. The one who knowingly chooses evil, despite understanding what is right, is more gravely culpable. It is this servant, Jesus says, who “shall be beaten severely.” By contrast, ignorance of God’s will can lessen culpability, even when the objective action remains sinful. The Church traditionally teaches that for a sin to be mortal, three conditions must be met: The action must involve grave matter, the sinner must have full knowledge of its gravity, and the sinner must give complete consent of the will. If one or more of these conditions is lacking, the sin—though still serious—does not carry the full weight of mortal guilt. This teaching raises an important moral question: Is it better to remain ignorant of God’s will or to understand it fully? Some might believe that ignorance protects the soul from full culpability. Such reasoning, however, is spiritually dangerous. Jesus never praises ignorance. He calls us to know, love, and serve God. Intentionally avoiding the truth does not lead to safety; it leads to greater accountability for the truth we chose to ignore. Jesus concludes this moral teaching by saying, “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” The ideal of the Christian life is not to shy away from responsibility in order to avoid punishment, but rather to become the one entrusted with more, so that more may be drawn forth from us. Why? Because what is “demanded” is not a burden; it is a call to holiness, purity of heart, and divine union. When viewed in this light, Jesus’ teaching becomes a sacred invitation. Growth in the spiritual and moral life offers exponential rewards. As we desire to be entrusted with more and respond more generously, we become the saints God calls us to be. Traditionally, the spiritual writers speak of three stages of spiritual growth, each representing deeper entrustment: the beginner, the proficient, and the perfect, who journey through the purgative, illuminative, and unitive ways. The beginner lives in a state of grace but still struggles with attachments to sin. The proficient has overcome those attachments and lives in ongoing illumination and contemplation. The perfect has been deeply purified and enters into stable divine union. Each stage is more glorious than the last, bearing increasing fruit and eternal reward. Today’s Gospel warns us of the danger of being spiritually and morally complacent, while highlighting the immense value of doing the opposite. Striving for full knowledge of God’s will so that we can give complete consent of our will to Him is worth it. The journey can be difficult because it requires ongoing and deepening purification. Yet we must remember the inestimable value of growing in holiness and never waver in our pursuit of it. Reflect today on your knowledge of God and His perfect will. Do you diligently seek to know Him more so that more is demanded of you? Are you vigilant, always listening to Him through prayer and the promptings of the Holy Spirit? Resolve to become holy. Desire more of God in your life. The more you receive, the greater the purification God will ask of you, but in the end, those exponential blessings are worth it. Keep seeking them out. My demanding Lord, You long to flood my mind with a deeper and clearer knowledge of You so that You may require of me greater responsibility. Please remove my ignorance and strengthen my will so that I may heed every demand of Your holiness and grow in grace and union with You so that You may be eternally glorified and Your Kingdom may increase. Jesus, I trust in You.

Christ is Coming Today!

October 20, 2026 Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time Readings for Today Saint Paul of the Cross, Priest—USA: Optional Memorial October 19 outside of the USA

Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons Video Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.” Luke 12:35–36 In biblical times, men wore long tunics that extended below the knees, often to the ankles. Though suitable for daily life, these garments could hinder strenuous activity. To “gird one’s loins,” a man would pull the back hem of his tunic forward between his legs, gather the fabric in front, and tuck it into his belt—creating a kind of makeshift pair of shorts. This freed the legs for running, fighting, or working. Jesus uses this image to express the vigilance we must maintain in anticipating His coming. “Light your lamps” further implies that we live in a world of spiritual darkness, requiring the illumination of grace to recognize His arrival. The Church Fathers often interpreted the “wedding” as the Heavenly Wedding—the union of Christ with the angels and saints. The master’s return symbolizes three things: Christ’s final coming at the end of time, His particular judgment at our death, and His continual coming by grace into our souls. Christ’s return in glory is a certainty. What a glorious day that will be. Sin and evil will be vanquished, the condemned separated, and the righteous—fully purified—will enter His Eternal Kingdom. Yet it’s easy to lose sight of this reality and become absorbed in daily life, as though this world were all that matters. If that were true, then a long and prosperous life here would be the goal. But since eternal life is our true destiny, this life must be lived in preparation for what is to come. Though the Second Coming may seem distant, our own death is ever before us, especially as we age. This Gospel invites us to prepare not only for the end of the world but for the end of our lives. That preparation isn’t just a matter of prayer at death’s door, it begins now. We gird our loins and light our lamps daily by seeking God’s grace and responding to His promptings. As you go about each day, where is your focus? Of course, we have an obligation to fulfill our daily responsibilities, but woven into that routine must be a consistent attentiveness to God, who is always coming to us. “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.” Jesus adds, “Should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.” In biblical times, the second watch (9 p.m.–midnight) and the third watch (midnight–3 a.m.) were the hardest times to remain alert, symbolizing the more difficult moments of life. Our Lord is telling us that vigilance matters most when it’s hardest to maintain. The early morning watch may represent the easier seasons of life, such as times of peace, joy, and spiritual clarity. The second and third watches reflect moments of suffering, discouragement, illness, or confusion, especially when we’re tempted to turn inward and forget to look to God. Even our prayers in those times can become self-focused: “Lord, help me with this” or “Please take that away.” True spiritual vigilance means our prayer remains consistent. In both joy and sorrow, we keep our gaze on God and cry out, “Hallowed be Thy name! Thy Kingdom come!” Our deepest desire is not comfort, help in trials, or an easier life, but God’s glory and our share in it, together with others. Reflect today on the consistency of your own prayer. Are you vigilant in every season, especially in the second and third watches of the night? Are you especially faithful to God when life is challenging? Seek to make every moment an offering to God, watching and waiting for Him with love and trust. My Lord and Bridegroom of my soul, I believe and profess that You will return in glory to renew the heavens and the earth at the end of time. Grant that I, and all Your children, may be fully prepared for that moment by remaining vigilant and attentive at all times. Help me to see and hear You each time You come to me by grace, especially in the most difficult moments of my life. Jesus, I trust in You.

An Insatiable Desire

October 19, 2026 Monday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time Readings for Today Saints Jean de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, Priests and Martyrs; and their Companions, Martyrs—USA: Memorial

Preaching to the Multitude, by Heinrich Hofmann Video Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Luke 12:13–15 Imagine if you were exceptionally rich. Would great wealth change your life? For many people, it would. In today’s Gospel, Jesus addresses material wealth directly, identifying greed as a grave danger. Perhaps the most important line He speaks is: “One’s life does not consist of possessions.” Interestingly, Jesus does not condemn wealth itself. He doesn’t say, “one ought not be rich,” but “though one may be rich.” This phrasing implies that wealth is neither good nor bad in itself. Instead, He condemns two things: greed, which can infect both rich and poor, and the error of allowing wealth to become the foundation of one’s life. In the New Testament, various Greek words are translated as “greed.” The term used in this passage conveys more than a general desire for wealth. It implies an insatiable craving, often for what rightfully belongs to others, which is a form of injustice. Those who harbor such a desire make the pursuit and longing for wealth the central aim of their hearts. This is not only sinful but foolish, which is why Jesus goes on to tell the Parable of the Rich Fool. Greed clouds judgment. On a natural level, wealth is often seen as a blessing. One might imagine the pleasures it affords, the security it brings, or even the good it might enable us to do. But Jesus shatters this illusion, not by condemning wealth itself, but by exposing the foolishness of greed. To be a fool is to believe a lie. Greed leads a person to the false belief that the desire for wealth is a good and noble desire. But it is not. “One’s life does not consist of possessions.” That truth is essential to grasp. What, then, does one’s life consist of when it is lived well, in justice and truth? It consists of the utmost generosity—a heart devoted entirely to the charity that flows from union with Christ. Jesus’ generosity is without equal. He is the King of Kings who embraced earthly poverty. He is the Creator of all who emptied Himself for our sake. He is the very foundation of life, yet He chose to die for our salvation. His life was one of total self-gift, a love more generous than we can comprehend. We are called to share in that self-giving love. Only in doing so can we discover the true meaning and purpose of our lives and become truly rich in the things of God. Greed is the opposite of this call. It is self-centered and directly opposed to our dignity. Extreme wealth may bring admiration in the eyes of the world, but the world cannot save us or transform us into who we are meant to be. Only God can do that. As you examine your heart, what desires do you find? When we act in foolishness, we often find selfish longings, such as the craving for wealth. Perhaps the first step in rooting out this desire is to name it for what it is: foolishness. If we view wealth simply as a good that will improve our lives, we begin to walk the path Jesus warns against. Of course, we must fulfill our duties to provide for ourselves and our families, relying on God’s providence, but there is a fine line between responsible stewardship and the foolishness of an unquenchable desire for more. In the end, perhaps the ideal is to desire only what is necessary for ourselves and our families—no more, no less. Reflect today on the subtle ways greed might influence your thoughts, choices, or desires. Consider whether you ever equate your worth with what you possess or whether you long for more than what God has given. What is the foundation of my life? If it is anything other than Christ and the generous love He calls you to live, then hear His words anew: “One’s life does not consist of possessions.” Seek instead to become rich in what matters to God—generosity, mercy, faith, and love—and let these be the treasures that define your soul. Most generous Lord, Your life is the epitome of self-giving. You poured Yourself out completely for us, culminating in the sacrifice of the Cross. Please reorient my soul and purify the desires of my heart, so that I may never seek more than I truly need and that my possessions may never possess me. May You and the charity flowing from Your Sacred Heart be the firm foundation of my life. Jesus, I trust in You.

An Alliance in Christ

October 18, 2026 Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) Readings for Today

The Pharisees Question Jesus, by James Tissot Video The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap him in speech.  They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you do not regard a person’s status.  Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” Matthew 22:15–17 The Herodians were a political group who supported the rule of Herod Antipas and his dynasty. They favored collaboration with the Roman Empire and upheld the Herodian line as the legitimate rulers over Judea. For the sake of national stability, they promoted political compromise. The Pharisees, on the other hand, were a religious sect devoted to the Law of Moses and the strict observance of Jewish customs, though often corrupted by legalism. They viewed Gentile rule as a threat to the sanctity of God’s covenant and wielded great influence over the people due to their outward piety and perceived religious authority. Given their stark political and theological differences, the alliance formed between the Pharisees and the Herodians in their plot against Jesus is both startling and revealing. Despite their longstanding enmity, they found common ground in their mutual hatred of Jesus. The Pharisees sought to undermine His credibility among the people, while the Herodians hoped to present Him as a threat to the Roman authority. Together, they constructed a trap, hoping Jesus would either speak against the Law or against Caesar—either of which would serve their purposes. Hatred, envy, jealousy, pride, and self-righteousness can forge what appears to be unity—even among rivals—but it is a unity rooted in darkness, a counterfeit communion built on shared agendas rather than truth. It is the kind of alliance in which satan himself rejoices. Such false unity always unravels. Anything built on pride and sin cannot stand. Unity can only endure where truth, humility, and love prevail. As we look around us, we see many such counterfeit alliances formed not by shared conviction in what is good and true, but by convenience in opposing what threatens personal influence or power. Individuals and groups unite to silence voices that speak uncomfortable truths. This is frequently seen in politics and culture, but is also tragically found even within the Church. In every case, truth is twisted, motives are disguised, and God’s pure and holy will becomes the object of attack. When such unholy alliances take root within the Church, they do grave damage to our common mission to proclaim the Gospel in truth. True Christian unity is not grounded in shared ambitions or human agendas, but in the Person of Jesus Christ. It is expressed through charity, humility, and fidelity to God’s will. It is not built on calculation or convenience but on the self-emptying love of Christ, who calls us to die to self and live for Him. Our only agenda must be that God be glorified and His children drawn into His glory and sanctification. As members of His Body, the Church, our unity must reflect the communion of the Most Holy Trinity, rooted in divine love, not in political expediency or pride. Reflect today on the unity to which you are called. Do you form alliances based on personal ambition or on wholehearted worship of God? Reflect especially upon your involvement within the Church and consider whether, even unintentionally, you act more like a politician or lobbyist than a true disciple of Christ. Commit yourself not to an agenda, but to Jesus. Worship Him, surrender your life to Him, and allow Him to unite you with other members of His Body, the Church. Such unity is the only unity that endures all things and bears lasting fruit. My Jesus and Head of Your Church, You call all Christians to form a spiritual bond that is forged through union with You. Grant me the grace of humility and charity, so that I may work within Your Church not with a personal agenda, but with mercy and truth. May I seek Your will alone and set aside my own ideas and preferences, choosing only You and Your eternal glory. Jesus, I trust in You.