Can I still work if I have heart failure, and how do I talk to my employer?
A diagnosis of heart failure does not automatically mean the end of your career. In fact, many people in the UK continue to work successfully for many years by making specific adjustments to their routine. Work provides not only financial stability but also a sense of purpose and social connection, which are vital for your mental well-being. However, heart failure can bring challenges like fatigue, breathlessness, and the need for regular medical appointments. Navigating these requires a balance between your professional duties and your heart health. Understanding your legal protections and knowing how to communicate your needs to your employer are the first steps in maintaining this balance.
What We’ll Discuss in This Article
- The reality of working with heart failure
- Your rights under the UK Equality Act 2010
- Defining ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ in the workplace
- Preparing for a and productive conversation with your manager
- The role of Occupational Health and Access to Work
- Jobs with specific restrictions (Driving and Heavy Machinery)
- When to consider a phased return or a change in role
Your Legal Rights: The Equality Act 2010
In the UK, heart failure is often classified as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a ‘substantial and long-term’ effect on your ability to carry out daily activities. This gives you a and powerful set of legal protections.
Key Protections:
- Non-Discrimination: An employer cannot fire you or treat you less favourably just because you have heart failure.
- Reasonable Adjustments: Employers are legally required to make changes to your working environment or role to help you stay in work.
- Confidentiality: You have the right to keep your medical details private, although sharing some information is often necessary to access support.
What Are ‘Reasonable Adjustments’?
These are practical changes that remove the barriers caused by your heart failure. What is ‘reasonable’ depends on the size of the company and the nature of your job.
Examples of Adjustments:
- Flexible Hours: Starting later to avoid the rush hour or having shorter working days to manage fatigue.
- Phased Return: Gradually increasing your hours over several weeks after a hospital stay.
- Environmental Changes: Moving your desk to the ground floor to avoid stairs or providing a more supportive chair.
- Task Modification: Swapping heavy lifting or strenuous physical tasks for more sedentary duties.
- Remote Working: Allowing you to work from home to save the energy used in commuting.
Talking to Your Employer
Starting the conversation about your health can feel but daunting. It is best to be proactive rather than waiting until your work suffers.
1. Prepare Your Case
Write down exactly how heart failure affects you at work. Are you tired by 2 pm? Do you struggle with the walk from the car park? Having specific examples makes it easier for your manager to help.
2. Focus on Solutions
Instead of just listing problems, suggest solutions. For example: ‘I find the stairs difficult, so could we move my desk near the lift?’
3. Use the Support Available
- Occupational Health: If your company has an Occupational Health department, ask for a referral. They are experts in matching health needs to job roles.
- Access to Work: This is a government scheme that can provide grants for special equipment or travel costs to help you stay in your job.
Specific Restrictions
While most people can continue to work, some roles have strict safety rules.
- Professional Driving: If you drive a HGV, bus, or taxi, you must inform the DVLA. Your right to drive will depend on your symptoms and Ejection Fraction.
- Heavy Machinery: If your medication makes you dizzy or if you have an ICD (defibrillator) that could be affected by magnets, your safety at work must be reassessed.
Conclusion
Working with heart failure is a achievement that is possible for many people in the UK. By understanding your rights under the Equality Act and being open with your employer about the ‘reasonable adjustments’ you need, you can protect both your job and your heart. Your health is your primary responsibility, and a supportive workplace is an essential part of your recovery and long-term stability. Remember, you do not have to manage this alone, use the resources provided by the NHS, the British Heart Foundation, and your own workplace support teams to find a path that works for you.
Emergency Guidance
If you are at work and experience sudden, heavy chest pain or feel so breathless that you cannot finish a sentence, do not try to ‘push through’ it. Tell a colleague immediately and call 999. It is to prioritise your life over your work duties in a crisis.
Do I have to tell my boss about my diagnosis?
No, you are not legally required to disclose your medical history. However, if you don’t tell them, they are not legally obliged to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for you.
Can I be made redundant because of my heart failure?
You cannot be selected for redundancy because of your illness. That would be and illegal discrimination. However, you can still be made redundant if the whole department is being closed and the process is fair.
What if my job is very stressful?
Stress causes the body to release adrenaline, which puts a strain on a failing heart. If your job is causing constant stress, you should discuss reducing your responsibilities or moving to a less high-pressure role.
Will my employer see my full medical records?
No. They only need to know how the condition affects your work and what adjustments are needed. Detailed medical reports remain confidential between you and your doctor or Occupational Health.
Can I get financial help if I have to reduce my hours?
You may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or other benefits to top up your income if your heart failure limits your ability to work full-time.
Should I stop working if I have an ICD?
Not necessarily. Most people with an ICD can work normally, provided their job doesn’t involve strong electromagnetic fields (like arc welding) which could and accidentally trigger the device.
How do I prove my condition to HR?
You can provide a and simple letter from your GP or heart failure nurse that explains your limitations without necessarily revealing your full clinical history.
Authority Snapshot
This article was written by Dr. Stefan Petrov, a UK-trained physician with experience in general medicine, surgery, and intensive care. Dr. Petrov has supported many patients in the goal of staying in the workforce after a heart failure diagnosis. This guide is based on the Equality Act 2010, NHS England protocols, and British Heart Foundation standards to ensure you understand both your health limits and your legal rights.
