One of the less appealing human traits is a tendency to revel in the misfortunes of others. Some people you know or meet will positively delight in regaling you in horrific detail with tales of their own heart attacks or operations or those of people they know. ‘Before my bypass,’ recalls Sylvia, ‘some people frightened me by telling me how painful it would be. In my opinion it is not as terrible as people make out. It is painful but it’s bearable pain.’

There are various ways to combat the horror stories. Avoidance is one tactic, for example by putting off meetings to a later date or hiding behind the answer phone. Arming yourself with accurate facts so you can counter negative information is another. It may be worth taking the time to explain the true facts about heart disease to people who are close to you, who may simply not be au fait with all the advances that have taken place over the past few years. On the other hand, especially if the person concerned is not especially important to you, you may decide that you do not really want him or her in your life at all and choose to let your acquaintanceship lapse altogether.

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