February 9-15, 2025 is Heart Failure Awareness Week! With the prevalence of heart failure rising, now, more than ever, raising awareness is essential for building a stronger, healthier community. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn throughout #HFWeek2025 and bookmark this page for an array of resources that can help you prevent and manage heart failure, as well as foster heart-healthy habits.
Learn How to Understand Your Risk
The greatest risk factors for developing heart failure include hypertension, obesity, and smoking. It's important to think about what your risk factors are and to be in control of your health to prevent it.
The incidence and prevalence of heart failure is higher among Black individuals compared with Hispanic, White, and Chinese ethnic groups. Individuals in this group should speak with their healthcare provider about early risk assessments to identify early warning signs.
Learn the Importance of Fostering Early Intervention
Recognizing the symptoms of heart failure early can lead to better outcomes. Although symptoms vary from person to person, common signs of heart failure include fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling.
Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment that can slow progression and improve quality of life.
Learn the Importance of Empowering Patients, Caregivers, and Providers to Take Informed Actions
Patients and caregivers who understand heart failure are better equipped to manage it by knowing when and how to advocate for themselves and their loved ones. Advocacy and open communication between patients, caregivers, and providers foster shared decision-making for better and longer quality of life.
Providers play a critical role in educating patients about their condition and tailoring treatment plans to individuals. Optimal implementation of GDMT in the United States could prevent an additional 100,000 deaths per year.
Learn How to Better Manage Heart Failure
Effective management of heart failure includes a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring of symptoms, all of which can aid in reducing hospitalizations. Tools like symptom trackers, medication reminders, and wearable technology can help patients stay on track and out of the hospital.
Managing heart failure can reduce hospitalizations and significantly enhance daily living.
Learn How to Implement Heart-Healthy Habits
Small lifestyle changes, like eating a balanced diet, reducing salt intake, and staying active, can make a big difference in managing symptoms.
Stress management, quality sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol also contribute to heart health. Celebrate progress and milestones to stay motivated in maintaining heart-healthy habits.