http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/912826.stm
Twenty seven chronic heart failure patients aged 38-94 were interviewed about the effect their condition had on their everyday lives.
Most patients lacked a clear understanding of why they had developed heart failure, what it was, and what this implied for them.
Many felt that their symptoms were a result of growing older and believed that nothing could be done.
Although some patients were apparently unaware of their likely prognosis, most patients saw death as inevitable, but felt that doctors were reluctant to talk about death or dying.
One patient stated: "I think they like to keep things away from the patient."
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