People who have suffered heart failure receive poorer care than cancer patients, according to a study.

Researchers at Edinburgh University compared the experiences of 20 lung cancer patients with those of 20 people with advanced heart failure.

They found that the heart failure patients received less information, less support and poorer care.

Most people with heart failure do not understand the cause or prognosis of their disease

Researchers' report

The study, published in the British Medical Journal, called for all patients with advanced serious illness to receive the same priority for palliative care as those with cancer.

Heart failure is a condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood and oxygen around the body.

Although the condition can be managed with drugs, 50% of patients die within 18 months.

The Edinburgh University researchers found that lung cancer patients received far more support, both from charities and the state.

They had a better understanding of their condition and its causes, and had been given an opportunity to prepare for what the researchers called "end of life issues".

Prime concern

Patients with heart failure rarely recalled being given any written information about their condition.

"Most people with heart failure do not understand the cause or prognosis of their disease and rarely discuss end of life issues with their professional carers," said the study.

The research team, led by senior lecturer Scott Murray, found that the prime concern of lung cancer patients and their carers was facing death.

Chronic illness

Cardiac failure patients' lives were dominated by frustration, social isolation and the stress of balancing and monitoring a complex medication regimen.

The authors said that the needs of many patients with end-stage chronic illness were not always understood.

There could also be uncertainty about the future progress of their disease.

The research team concluded that the lessons learnt from caring for cancer patients should be applied to those with other life-threatening illnesses.