Twenty-one countries across Europe are taking part in a heart failure awareness day (HFA-Day) today to help people recognise the symptoms and get early treatment.
HFA-Day, organised by the Heart Failure Association, which is part of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), will see countries across the continent undertaking a range of activities to raise awareness of heart disease.
Professor Petar Seferovic, of the ESC, said the aim of the awareness days was to help reduce the burden that this disease brings to families and health systems across Europe. Thirty countries across Europe have participated in the last two years and more are expected to take part this year.
“European HFA-Day is vitally important in getting potentially life-saving messages out to the public,” he explained.
“Increased participation will lead to higher visibility of the issues surrounding HF. Ultimately, better awareness will encourage countries to invest more financial resources for treatment and prevention.”
In the UK, a dozen hospitals, including Bristol Community Health and Whittington Health, are organising events to offer patients and the general public tips on how to make dietary changes, increase exercise, lose weight, stop smoking, and reduce alcohol intake.
Lithuania is planning to host events in two cities that will focus on heart failure prevention and education seminars at clinics, while in Greece doctors will be in cities to hand out information.
HF often develops due to a medical condition such as coronary artery disease, or following a heart attack or high blood pressure, which damages the heart.
Prof Seferovic said: “It is important for doctors to monitor a patient’s signs and symptoms to see how well they respond to treatment. If symptoms continue, more therapy might be needed. If symptoms get worse, the patient should get medical attention right away.
“As well as treatment, patients with HF should make dietary changes, including restricting salt and sugar, increasing exercise, losing weight, and stopping smoking and drinking alcohol.”
For details about HFA-Day, visit www.escardio.org
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