This is an epidemic of the 21st century, 1.2 million Poles suffer from this dangerous disease. How to recognize it?

World Heart Failure Awareness Days have just started and will last from April 29 to May 5. They are part of the European celebration of “Heart Failure Awareness Days”, initiated by the European Society of Cardiology. In our country, as many as 1.2 million people suffer from heart failure. It is extremely important to be aware of the risk of developing this disease – it is caused by, among others, diabetes, kidney disease or hypertension. It is also worth mentioning that heart failure is the most common cause of death among all cardiovascular diseases – 140,000 people die from it every year. Its prevention, but also early detection and treatment are very important.

Heart failure is an epidemic of the 21st century

Heart failure (HF) is an epidemic of the 21st century due to the growing number of patients, but also the social and economic problems associated with it. In Poland, approximately 1.2 million people suffer from heart failure. Heart failure is a disease syndrome in the course of which we observe increasing fatigue, shortness of breath and fluid retention, most often in the lower limbs (so-called lower limb edema), but also in the lungs or abdominal cavity. The most common cause of HF is damage to the heart muscle in the course of ischemic heart disease, valvular defects or myocarditis – explains Prof. Agnieszka Pawlak, president of the PTK Heart Failure Association.

The specialist also lists the risk factors: “In turn, its development is favored by factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, atrial fibrillation, female gender and older age. Therefore, the awareness of patients as well as the vigilance of family doctors and other specialties is crucial to detect and effectively treat heart failure early.”

What are the symptoms of heart failure?

This year's message is: “The heart is beating on an alarm – it may need your help. Detect and treat heart failure.” It is estimated that approximately 3 percent of our population suffers from heart failure. Heart failure is a consequence of many diseases, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, but also heart valve defects and previous heart attacks. Although heart failure most often affects people over 60 years of age, this disease can affect anyone, including younger people. The risk of developing this disease can be reduced by leading a healthy lifestyle, including by following an appropriate diet and avoiding stimulants. Effective treatment of comorbidities is also important.

Symptoms that may indicate heart failure include:

• shortness of breath that wakes the sick person up at night and forces him to get out of bed,

• swelling of the lower limbs (lasting all day, reaching above the ankles),

• shortness of breath during physical exercise,

• rapid weight gain (even 1.5-2 kg per day),

• weakness and easy tiring.