Academic dubs heart failure an ‘epidemic’

The prevalence of heart failure is expected to rise with the prevalence of heart attacks, longer life expectancy, and shifting health and lifestyle trends, health promotion charity Hearts4Heart says.

Monash University’s School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine

Associate Professor Ingrid Hopper said heart failure was so common it has been described as an “epidemic”.

“Roughly two per cent of the Australian population are living with heart failure,” she said.

“It’s a disease of older people mostly, as prevalence increases with age, from around one per cent for those aged less than 55 years to over 10 per cent of those aged 70 years or over.

“People with certain diseases and illnesses seem to be more prone to developing heart failure, including people with high blood pressure (hypertension); coronary heart disease (fatty deposits in arteries); weakened heart muscles from heart attack; heart valves that do not open or close properly; and cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle).

“Obesity and diabetes are both associated with an increased risk of developing heart failure, particularly among women.”

She said daily-life risk factors that may contribute to the development of heart failure included smoking, alcohol consumption, low level of physical activity, poor diet, stress and social isolation.

“Recognising symptoms of heart failure is key to early diagnosis and effective patient management,” she said.

“Symptoms of heart failure can be debilitating with shortness of breath, fatigue and fluid retention, which impacts people’s ability to walk, work and care for themselves.

“However, symptoms of heart failure can also be quite subtle, and include fatigue, shortness of breath on exercise, or a cough when lying in bed at night.

“If you are concerned that you may have heart failure, you should see your GP for an assessment in the first instance.

“Your GP may refer you to a heart specialist.

“There is huge potential to save lives, improve quality of life, and maintain independent living if it is diagnosed early, treated with appropriate medications, and incorporates lifestyle changes.

“Although there is currently no cure for heart failure, early detection, medical therapies, and lifestyle changes can help people to manage their condition well and lead productive and fulfilled lives.”

For more information see https://hearts4heart. org.au/

What is heart failure?

Heart failure doesn’t mean that your heart has stopped, but it is ‘failing’ to keep up with your body’s demands. The heart is unable to pump enough blood through the body to meet its nutritional needs, either because it is unable to fill with enough blood, or its pumping action isn’t strong enough, or both.

Symptoms can include any of the following:

• Shortness of breath during minimal exercise or exertion

• Needing to use extra pillows when lying down to breathe easier

• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

• Swelling of legs, feet or stomach

• Coughing/ wheezing

• Weight gain over a short period of time (e.g., more than two kg over two days)

• Extreme tiredness, low energy or no energy

• Loss of appetite