Heart failure a growing problem

Tuesday June 2nd, 2009

Growing rates of obesity and diabetes will lead to a surge in numbers of patients being treated for heart failure, a British expert has told a European conference.

Obesity can cause direct failure of the heart - as well as heart attacks and diabetes, the Heart Failure 2009 conference was told.

Speaking to delegates, Professor John McMurray, of the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, President of the Heart Failure Association, said some people with heart failure seemed to develop diabetes.

About a third of these patients have evidence of the disease, he said, making their prospects "very serious".

He added: "Obesity is at least as great a risk factor for heart failure as it is for heart attack or stroke. Obesity more than doubles the risk."

Meanwhile another British expert told the conference how remote systems were beginning to revolutionise care of patients with heart failure.

Evidence already suggests that telemonitoring can cut deaths and reduce hospital admissions, according to Professor John Cleland, of Hull University, UK.

He said the first generation of home monitoring devices has been "relatively unrewarding" for patients - but has still saved lives. These devices measure symptoms such as weight and heart rate.

Second generation equipment provided a "more interactive experience" - with education, feedback and reminders.

The next generation could enter the realms of science fiction - including a range of remote controlled pacemaker devices.

Professor Cleland warned: "If service integration is poor or insufficient resources are invested in the control group, then even an effective technology will fail."

Tags: Diabetes | Europe | Heart Health

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