Heart failure affects more than 60 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of hospitalization among those over 65, according to a new expert statement published in the European Heart Journal on July 21. The authors argue that prevention may be the most effective way to tackle this growing health challenge, as heart failure often develops gradually and without symptoms.
This statement is described as the first comprehensive document dedicated solely to heart failure prevention. It summarizes current knowledge about risk factors, preventive measures, and ways to identify individuals at high risk of developing the condition. Heart failure is characterized not as a single disease but as a syndrome caused by the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, typically resulting from long-term issues such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, or atrial fibrillation.
The problem is becoming more serious due to population ageing and an increase in sedentary lifestyles and metabolic diseases. Prof. Izabella Uchmanowicz from Wroclaw Medical University said, "Heart failure is one of the most common complications of cardiovascular diseases and remains a major cause of hospitalization and premature mortality. Population ageing and the increasing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension mean that the number of patients continues to grow. Therefore, preventive measures are now of key importance both for patients' health and for the sustainability of healthcare systems."
The authors note that past efforts have focused mainly on treating existing cases rather than preventing new ones. They highlight modifiable risk factors—such as physical activity, diet, maintaining healthy weight, avoiding tobacco use—and stress that early intervention can significantly reduce risk. Uchmanowicz said, "The greatest impact comes from measures aimed at modifying risk factors: regular physical activity, a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, and avoiding tobacco use. Growing evidence also highlights the importance of individualized prevention strategies and the early implementation of effective therapies in high-risk individuals."
Prevention extends beyond lifestyle changes; emerging pharmacological therapies may protect those at highest risk before symptoms appear—especially people with type 2 diabetes or chronic kidney disease. The authors emphasize that primary care physicians play an essential role because they monitor patients over time for subtle changes indicating increased risk.
Prof. Kurpas added, "It is particularly important to educate people who feel healthy but already have risk factors because that is when we can make the greatest difference...heart failure prevention should not begin only in a cardiology clinic but much earlier—in primary care through health education within local communities." Campaigns like "Keep Your Pressure Under Control" aim to raise awareness about conditions such as hypertension which contribute significantly yet often go unnoticed.
