Step by step through heart attack

This booklet is for people who have had a heart attack.  It describes the causes and common symptoms of heart attack.  It give information on what a heart attack means, what happens when you are in hospital, the cardiac rehabilitation programme and what to expect afterwards as you continue your recovery at home. 

Step by step through angina

This booklet is for people who have angina. It explains the causes and different types of angina.  It gives information on common symptoms of angina, how it is treated and how to improve your heart health and so reduce the number of angina attacks you get. 

Step by step through cardiac catheterization and angioplasty

This publication is for people who have been referred for cardiac catheterization (angiogram) or angioplasty.  It explains why you might need one of these procedures, how to prepare for cardiac catheterization or angioplasty, what happens in hospital during the process and how you are likely to feel and recover afterwards.

Step by step through heart medicines

This booklet is for people taking medicines for a heart condition or to control high cholesterol levels or high blood pressure.  It describes the different types of medicines, what they are for, how to take them and possible side effects.  This booklet is published in partnership with the Irish Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation.

AF and you

This booklet is for people who have atrial fibrillation (AF).  It is designed to help you understand and manage your condition. It explains what happens to your heart in AF, and the causes, symptoms and possible complications associated with the condition.

Living well with heart failure

This publication is for people who have heart failure. It describes what heart failure means, its causes and symptoms.  The booklet gives information on the tests and treatments used, how heart failure can affect your life and what you can do to help control your symptoms.

Step by step through heart surgery

This booklet is for people who have been referred for coronary artery bypass surgery, heart valve repair or heart valve replacement surgery. It has information on how to prepare for your operation, what happens during the surgery, what to expect as you recover in hospital and afterwards when you go home.

Inheriting heart disease - familial hypercholesterolaemia

This publication is for people who have very high cholesterol levels caused by an inherited condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH).  The booklet describes FH and gives information on the medicines used to control the condition.  It also explains how you can help manage your cholesterol levels.

A guide for those affected by stroke and their carers

This booklet is for people who have had a stroke and for your carers. It explains the causes of stroke, what happens when you have a stroke and how it can affect you.  It gives information on what to expect while you are in hopsital and on the types of care and rehabilitation you might need.

Sexual health and his heart

This leaflet is for people with a heart condition who are also experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED).  It explains the psychological and physical causes of ED, which include heart disease and some medicines used to treat heart disease.  It gives information on the treatments available and encourages people with ED to discuss the condition with their doctor or health care advisor. This leaflet is only available to download.

You can order a printed copy of these booklets or bigger quantities if you are a healthcare provider

Safety aspects of medical devices

The Irish Medicines Board has a number of patient information leaflets on the safety aspects of medical devices .

The leaflets are designed to highlight key safety issues related to buying and using medical devices. The leaflets also gives information on what to do if a medical device does not work or causes harm to the user. One of the leaflets is about implantable medical devices for your heart such as pacemakers and ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillators). 

For further information please contact the Irish Medicines Board

Medical Council’s guide to professional conduct and ethics

The Irish Medical Council has a leaflet which gives information to the public on the Medical Council’s guide to professional conduct and ethics. The leaflet advises people what the guide means to them and where you can get further information.