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What does the lay public know about heart failure? Findings from the Heart Failure Awareness Day Initiative
Author(s) -
Störk Stefan,
Kavoliuniene Ausra,
Vinereanu Dragos,
Ludwig Rafael,
Seferovic Petar,
Dickstein Kenneth,
Anker Stefan D.,
Filippatos Gerasimos,
Ponikowski Pjotr,
Lainscak Mitja
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
european journal of heart failure
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.149
H-Index - 133
eISSN - 1879-0844
pISSN - 1388-9842
DOI - 10.1002/ejhf.425
Subject(s) - medicine , heart failure , public health , population , pediatrics , cardiology , environmental health , nursing
Aim & Methods One critical factor enhancing the implementation of successful diagnostic and therapeutic strategies into clinical practice is awareness among the lay public. We describe awareness in a contemporary, multinational convenience sample of subjects attending the Heart Failure Awareness ( HFA ) Day Initiatives in 2013. Results We analysed 2,438 subjects (Germany 33%, Lithuania 42%, Romania 8%, Slovenia 17%) : 53% were female, 58% were aged >60 years, 11% (had) worked in the medical sector, 82% heard about HF before. Shortness of breath and tiredness were correctly identified as symptoms of heart failure in 71% and 61%, but only 52% recognized swelling of feet and legs as a clinical sign; 31% considered heart failure a normal symptom of old age, and only 38% realized the particularly poor prognosis after a heart failure related hospitalization. Subjects who had heard about heart failure before had a lower prevalence of common misbeliefs about HF . Conclusion In subjects participating in the HFA Day initiative 2013, the level of awareness was unsatisfactory, and important misconceptions remain. The educational and awareness activities for both the population at large and also for decision makers should be broadened and intensified.