Patient Versions of 2026 ESC Guidelines

Cardiac Rehabilitation

This document is based on the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Clinical Practice Guidelines on Cardiac Rehabilitation and is designed for patients and their families.

Cardiac rehabilitation is a programme of medical, lifestyle and emotional support, which aims to improve health and wellbeing, and reduce the risk of new events after a cardiac event or diagnosis of cardiac disease. This guide applies to adults who are recommended to receive cardiac rehabilitation at a local centre or in their own home as an outpatient.

This document provides information from the guidelines on key areas related to cardiac rehabilitation, including which patients can benefit and the different elements that your programme might include. It aims to give you confidence to work with your healthcare team to get the most out of cardiac rehabilitation and improve the long-term management of your heart condition.

Heart Failure

This document is based on the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure and is designed for patients and their families. It aims to provide an overview of the latest evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure.

In particular, it should help you understand:

• The main types of heart failure
• The importance of looking after yourself and managing your condition
• Medicines you may be offered
• The importance of being treated by a multidisciplinary team
• Devices that might be considered appropriate
• The importance of rehabilitation

If you are seeking more general information about heart failure, please visit
www.heartfailurematters.org

Cardiovascular Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease

This document is based on the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Cardiovascular Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease and is designed for patients and their families.

Cardiovascular disease and kidney disease are closely connected – one can worsen the other.

This guide provides an overview of the recommendations for diagnosing and treating kidney disease in people with cardiovascular disease. This guide also covers how cardiovascular disease should be treated in people with kidney disease.

Throughout this guide, you will see that many treatment decisions should be made together with your healthcare team, taking into account your preferences, lifestyle and overall health. This document aims to give you the knowledge and confidence to be involved in shared decision-making with your healthcare providers.