As part of Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week which kicks off next Monday the Heart Foundation will be staging an information and support session in Taradale for people with heart issues and their families.
The foundation's Hawke's Bay Heart Health advocate Audrey Tolua said many people living with heart disease or recovering from a heart health-related issue could find it both lonely and challenging.
"We want to reach out to bring people living with atrial fibrillation and their families together in a warm and supportive environment that allows them to meet, learn and share their experiences," Ms Tolua said.
Her message to people living with atrial fibrillation (AF) was simple and sincere - "you are not alone."
Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition in which the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat rapidly and irregularly causing the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) to pump the blood abnormally and ineffectively throughout the body.