Data reveals more than 21,000 in this region have heart failure without knowing it – and using a simple acronym could help people spot the signs and take action.
The NHS in the East of England is highlighting the warning signs and what action to take by using a checklist to help BEAT detect heart failure and save lives.
- Breathlessness
- Exhaustion
- Ankle swelling
- Time to speak to your GP
People with diabetes and high blood pressure are also at a higher risk of heart failure so looking out for the symptoms and taking care of yourself is even more important. Visit the ICB website for more information about diabetes and getting your blood pressure checked.
We are working with the five other ICBs in the region, the UK’s heart failure charity Pumping Marvellous Foundation, NHS England – East of England and Health Innovation East on the initiative.
The Pumping Marvellous Charity is raising funds to support the awareness campaign and promote the signs and symptoms of what clinicians consider a life-threatening condition.
Colleagues at Milton Keynes University Hospital have so far raised more than £1,600 by taking part in a sponsored walk up Mount Snowdon.
Dr Cliona Kenny, consultant cardiologist and clinical lead for cardiovascular disease at the hospital in the East of England who also took part in the walk, said:
“With many people only diagnosed with heart failure when they require emergency hospital admission, we wanted to help raise awareness of the symptoms to look out for.
“Tackling heart failure is a challenge, and we wanted to do it by having our own challenge – walking up Snowdon.“
“Our heart failure BEAT campaign aims to improve awareness of the signs to spot, with a clear call to action leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment for those who need it.”
“Better awareness and early diagnosis in primary care allows patients to begin treatment sooner, reducing hospital admissions and readmissions while significantly improving quality of life for our loved ones and the people that we care for.”
Find out how you can make a donation on the Pumping Marvellous website.