Sharon Hughes Magil

Hi I am Sharon Hughes-Magill, I am the Vice Chairperson for Heart Failure Warriors N.I.

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I was diagnosed with heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)of 40% in September 2022, I had covid the Christmas 2021 and wasn’t recovering, I developed bilateral pulmonary embolisms and even though they had dissolved I was still very symptomatic.

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My symptoms were very like asthma and at first it was thought my asthma was out of control. That’s when they discovered the clots in my lungs, I was commenced on blood thinning medication which was successful. However i was still experiencing chest pain, breathlessness and light headedness. I was referred for testing but ended up in hospital, it was then that I was informed of my diagnosis of heart failure.

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Hearing them words was very frightening and I was worried about my family. I felt very alone and isolated, I even felt like I was being a moan.

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It was only when I met my peers with the same diagnosis that I realised all the things I was feeling was normal.

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When I was asked if I was interested in meeting other patients to see about putting together a group, I jumped at the chance.

This is an opportunity to help people like me, to make a community that provides support and advice.

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I had researched services for heart failure in Northern Ireland and could find none. I believe this will bring hope to those facing a diagnosis of heart failure and their families.

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