Khan, 29, gave up smoking four months ago. He is British Pakistani lives with his wife and they are expecting their first child. Khan smoked for 14 years before giving up with the help of an NHS clinic. Khan started smoking at age 14 and says that he was very addicted. He gave up after his Dad had heart problems and his wife persuaded him to quit. Khan has now stopped for four months.

Cassie, 22, is currently trying to give up smoking. She is Mixed Black African Caribbean/White British, is studying and lives in London in shared accommodation. Cassie had her first cigarette when she was 7 but started smoking regularly when she was 13. She has always suffered with asthma and first tried to quit when she was 18. She is currently trying to stop and has cut down considerably. She plans to attend a drop-in clinic to get more support.

Sab thinks that the investigation of a chest pain saved him from a heart attack that was about to happen. He had several tests including an ECG and an angiogram. The angiogram confirmed that he had coronary artery disease. Six months ago he underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG). He joined his local cardiac rehabilitation programme and increased his exercise routine gradually Sab was originally interview for heart attack but some of his experiences like what it's like having an angiogram and an angioplasty are also relevant to heart failure patients.

Mahendra was first diagnosed with endocarditis and in 1994 had major heart surgery to replace the Mitral and Aortic valves. His symptoms of palpitations, breathlessness and dizziness were managed with medication and regular check-ups but they gradually began to worsen. In 2007, Mahendra had an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) fitted to help with his symptoms.

In 2000, Bruce was diagnosed with an aortic aneurism and monitored for some time but eventually he underwent surgery. In 2007 he was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia and the cardiologist indicated he would benefit from having an Intra Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) fitted. Bruce listed a number of improvements to his quality of life following ICD treatment: less breathlessness, more physical energy and hence, able to engage in physical social and recreational activities.

Angela was first diagnosed with Heart Block in 2010 and she had a pacemaker put in. She went on to develop pacemaker syndrome and a year later she was diagnosed with Left Ventricular Dyssinchrony. She was fitted with an implantable device called Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT). This procedure has proven successful.

Diagnosed with heart failure in 2010. She has and ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) and Vivienne said that it took several months before she noticed any benefits. Her condition has improved but she feels anxious and recognises that her life has changed since diagnosis.

Brian was diagnosed with low to moderate heart failure following an increased in his breathlessness and a slowdown of his physical activity. His GP is also a heart specialist. After retirement, Brian kept his private medical cover to begin with but he has since cancelled it because he feels he is getting excellent care on the NHS.

Isabella was diagnosed with heart failure around twenty years ago. Her GP is also a cardiac specialist and looks after her care. Her condition has remained steady so her treatment has consisted of taken an ACE inhibitor and a beta blocker. Isabella hasn't been affected by side effects. Recently Isabella has complained of breathlessness and tiredness but she is unsure whether it is the result of her condition or her age.

Albert has been living with depression for many years. He has had 22 courses of ECT, receiving his first course in 1960. However, Albert believes that ECT was the wrong type of treatment for him and thinks it has caused his memory problems.