OTTAWA, CANADA / AGILITYPR.NEWS / April 30, 2024 / Millions of people are living with heart failure but almost half of Canadians do not know what it is. Now is the time to understand the symptoms and importance of early detection.

Ottawa, ON April 30, 2024 – As part of an ongoing commitment to raise awareness about heart failure and overall cardiovascular health, The Canadian Heart Failure Society (CHFS) is proud to announce, Heart Failure Awareness Week (HFAW), taking place from May 5 – 11, 2024. Four in 10 of Canadians do not know what heart failure is and this annual awareness week aims to educate individuals about risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies.

Heart failure is one of the most common reasons why Canadians end up in hospital and it is more deadly than the majority of cancers. Readmission and failure of early detection of Heart Failure is putting a significant strain on the healthcare system with costs approaching $2.8 Billion per year in healthcare needs.

“Heart failure does not mean that the heart suddenly stops working or that you are about to die. In fact, millions of people are living with heart failure right now,” says Dr. Anique Ducharme, HFAW Lead and Past-President of the Canadian Heart Failure Society. “However, earlier diagnosis will lead to better potential health outcomes.”

While there are certain populations who are at greater risk of heart failure, it is important for everyone to know the symptoms to watch out for. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling in legs or abdomen, and Fatigue.

“I lived with heart failure for 10 years before my heart transplant,” says Marc Bains, Heart Failure patient and Co-Founder of HeartLife Foundation. “Even though there is no cure, heart failure doesn’t have to be a death sentence. With the right tools and resources you can live the quality of life you deserve.”

About Canadian Heart Failure Society

The Canadian Heart Failure Society’s mission is to improve patient care through research, advocacy, education, and development of best practices in the field of heart failure disorders.

The CHFS interacts with the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) as an affiliated organization in matters associated with the continuum of heart failure. CHFS strives to provide guidance for medical trainees in Canada, while advocating for heart failure patients, their families, and professionals providing care to those living with the risks of complications from heart failure.

For more information, please visit https://heartfailure.ca/ 

About Heart Failure Awareness Week

The goal of Heart Failure Awareness Week is to raise awareness, increase public knowledge and provide a better understanding of this chronic condition. 

National Heart Failure Awareness Week is presented by the Canadian Heart Failure Society in partnership with the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, HeartLife Foundation, Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses, Heart & Stroke, Canadian Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, Canadian Heart Function Alliance, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research.

For more information please visit https://heartfailure.ca/education/national-heart-failure-awareness-week 

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