Just one in seven people can accurately identify the symptoms of heart failure (HF ), even though it is one of Ireland’s deadliest conditions – having a worse five year survival rate than many forms of cancer.
An Ipsos MRBI poll for the Irish Heart Foundation showed that only 14 per cent of Irish people could name more than one of the main symptoms of heart failure – a condition when the heart does not provide as much blood as the body needs – such as unexplained breathlessness, swollen ankles, and severe tiredness. This is despite the fact 90,000 people are living with heart failure in Ireland and 20,000 are admitted to hospital with the condition every year.
“There is no doubt that low awareness of HF is responsible for high levels of avoidable death and suffering in communities throughout the length and breadth of the country,” said Irish Heart Foundation medical director, Dr Angie Brown.
Dr Brown said it was vital that people understood how deadly heart failure can be if left untreated. Studies have shown that 60 per cent of heart failure sufferers will die within five years of experiencing the condition, which is higher than many of the most common forms of cancer.
For your free copy of Living Well with Heart Failure, contact the Irish Heart Foundation on 01 6685001, or talk in confidence to an Irish Heart Foundation nurse on the National Heart and Stroke Helpline 1890 432787, Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. www.irishheart.ie
