In this episode of OSCE Talk, we walk through how to counsel a patient diagnosed with heart failure, a common and high-yield OSCE and clinical scenario.

Using a realistic doctor–patient role-play, we cover:

• How to explain heart failure in clear, patient-friendly language

• Linking symptoms such as breathlessness, orthopnoea, and oedema to the underlying condition

• Common causes of heart failure, including myocardial infarction

• Lifestyle advice, including fluid restriction, salt intake, smoking, and alcohol

• An overview of management, including medications, diuretics, and specialist follow-up

• Addressing patient concerns, prognosis, and safety-netting

This episode is designed to help medical students and junior doctors feel confident counselling patients with heart failure in both OSCEs and real clinical practice.