Ciara Cahill
Cardiovascular Clinical Nurse Specialist for CHO3, University Hospital Limerick
Dr. Neasa Starr
Consultant Cardiologist UHL & Mid-West Integrated CV Care, University Hospital Limerick
Discussing heart failure (HF) can feel daunting due to its negative connotations. However, advances in treatment inspire hope, shifting focus towards heart function — not failure — to foster more constructive conversations.
Heart failure is a serious condition with varying severity, indicating the heart’s inefficient pumping and circulation.
Early HF diagnosis enhances prognosis
Common symptoms include breathlessness, such as reduced ability to exercise and fluid retention or swelling in the ankles, legs or abdomen. Early diagnosis is key to improving patient prognosis long-term to enable prompt treatment of the condition. This ambition is driven by the major advancement in drugs and devices available to treat the condition in recent years that are proven to reduce hospitalisation and improve prognosis.
Preventing HF through risk management
As important as treating the condition is prevention. The American Heart Association describes this well through their classification of HF as four stages (from A–D). Stage A incorporates those with risk factors for the development of HF but no structural abnormality of the heart, reminding us the condition is often preventable. The diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors that often prevent the condition of HF — such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity — cannot be underestimated.
Treating high blood pressure is one of the
most effective ways to preserve our health.
Blood pressure control
From a population perspective, treating high blood pressure is one of the most effective ways to preserve our health against a multitude of serious medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and vascular dementia. As reflected by the recent European Society of Cardiology, treatment of high blood pressure is not confined to older patients. The long-term changes resulting from persistently high circulatory pressures can cause complications to heart function, kidney function and brain function down the line. These complications are generally preventable by ensuring your blood pressure is within normal range.
Integrated cardiovascular care for patients
Through the Irish Chronic Disease Management programme, patients with common cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol can sign up for a GP check-up twice yearly to monitor risk factors in an effort to maintain long-term good health.
Linking in with this programme is the national integrated cardiovascular care service. This programme improves GP access to cardiac diagnostics, including echocardiograms and specialist care, in non-hospital settings. With nurse-led education, it aims for prompt diagnosis and treatment of conditions like heart failure, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, adopting a patient-centred approach to enhance long-term outcomes.
