New campaign aims to raise awareness of heart failure; a condition that affects 90,000 people in Ireland

Almost half of Irish adults surveyed for a new campaign mistakenly believe that heart failure means that the heart stops beating, confusing the condition with a cardiac arrest.

According to the results of a new survey carried out on behalf of the Irish Heart Foundation by Ipsos MRBI between 28th February and 14th March 2019, 49 per cent of those surveyed believed that heart failure meant that the heart stops beating or shuts down.

Overall the survey, which was launched to mark the Irish Heart Foundation’s new campaign entitled ‘Don’t Ignore the Signs of Heart Failure’, revealed that the majority of adults in Ireland do not fully understand heart failure; a condition that affects 90,000 people here.

The results also revealed that just 23 per cent were aware that heart failure means that the heart does not pump blood as well as it should. More than half or 61 per cent of those surveyed were unaware that swollen ankles were one of the key warning signs for heart failure, 90 per cent were aware that shortness of breath can be a warning sign of the condition and 34 per cent did not identify fatigue as a symptom associated with heart failure.

Heart failure is a highly debilitating, life-threatening condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood around the body, as the walls of the heart become too weak or too stiff to work properly.

The Irish Heart Foundation campaign, which is supported by Novartis, aims to educate the public about the warning signs of heart failure – which include shortness of breath, swollen ankles and fatigue. It also aims to encourage people not to ignore these symptoms, but to discuss them with a doctor as soon as possible. The good news is that people with heart failure can live a full and active life if the condition is detected and treated early.

As part of the campaign, the Irish Heart Foundation has developed a free online symptom checker to help people identify if they are experiencing heart failure symptoms. The heart failure symptom checker is available on the campaign website, KnowYourHeart.ie; people can use the checker and download their findings to help them discuss any concerns they may have with their GP.

Recently retired sports broadcaster and commentator Michael Lyster spoke at the launch of the campaign about his own experience of living with heart failure and encouraged people to be vigilant about their health.

“It’s human nature to try to ‘explain away’ symptoms when we are ill, we don’t want to confront that something might be wrong. Looking back, I was experiencing all the classic symptoms of heart failure – I was constantly tired, my ankles were swollen, and I would wake up at night panting for breath – but I didn’t want to admit something was wrong for a long time. This situation really became pronounced for me at the height of ‘Sunday Game’ season in 2012, so I put it down to my hectic schedule. Thankfully, I eventually heeded the signs and got professional help before it was too late. Don’t ignore the signs of heart failure – I would urge anyone experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue and swollen ankles to contact their GP without delay.”

Michael continued, “While I thoroughly enjoyed my career, I have to say that I am relishing my retirement, spending more time doing other things I love and enjoying quality time with my family. I’m able to do this by actively looking after my health. It is possible to live well with heart failure, it doesn’t have to slow you down once treated properly. I still enjoy everything, even my rally driving but the key is to heed the warning signs and be smart about managing your health.”

Dr Angie Brown, Consultant Cardiologist and Medical Director of the Irish Heart Foundation, said, ‘I was not surprised to see in our research that the majority of people mistakenly think ‘heart failure’ means that your heart stops. In our experience at the Irish Heart Foundation, the word ‘failure’ is scary, and many people don’t want to confront it. We also see in our research that people mistakenly think the symptoms of heart failure are similar to those of a heart attack, i.e. pain in the chest (94%) or arm (86%).

This awareness campaign aims to educate people about the actual symptoms of heart failure which people should be vigilant for, and to also reassure people that heart failure can be managed if diagnosed and treated early. Anyone who would like to learn more about heart failure or who is concerned they may be experiencing symptoms can visit our campaign website KnowYourHeart.ie and use our online symptom checker.”

As part of the campaign, the Irish Heart Foundation will hold a series of public information meetings across the country for heart failure patients and people concerned about the condition. To register to attend these free events and for further information on the campaign, please visit KnowYourHeart.ie

Loretto Callaghan, Managing Director, Novartis said, “If you or a loved one is diagnosed with a chronic condition like heart failure, it’s normal to have a lot of questions. Novartis is proud to support the Irish Heart Foundation’s campaign and public information evenings, to ensure those who have concerns get the support they need.”

For more information about heart failure, and to use the Irish Heart Foundation’s heart failure symptom checker, visit KnowYourHeart.ie.