Heart failure affects millions of people worldwide, yet no two experiences are the same. Beyond its clinical definition, it is a condition that reshapes everyday life – impacting energy, independence, and even the simplest daily activities. As healthcare moves towards more personalised approaches, listening to patients is essential.
In this article, we speak with Max Groenhart about his journey with heart failure, his role in the project’s Patient Advisory Board, and why involving patients in research is key to improving outcomes.
Max’s diagnosis followed several weeks of severe fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms. After multiple consultations and tests, blood results revealed signs consistent with a heart attack, leading to further urgent examinations. An echocardiogram ultimately showed that his heart function was severely reduced, with an ejection fraction of just 15–17%. Soon after, he learned he would need major surgery – five bypasses – to address the condition. What began as unexplained symptoms quickly became a life-altering diagnosis.
Before this, Max led an active life – working full-time, studying for a bachelor’s degree, and involved in various organisations. He initially believed recovery would take only a few months. Instead, the reality was very different. Even simple tasks became exhausting, and returning to work, even for a few hours a week, proved challenging.
