Heart Failure Awareness Week 23 – 29 June
Heart failure affects hundreds of thousands of Australians, yet many still don’t know what it is, how to spot the signs, or how to reduce their risk. Often misunderstood, it is a manageable condition, especially when detected early. Awareness is crucial, not just during Heart Failure Awareness Week, but year-round.
Dr Kavitha Muthiah, Consultant Cardiologist in Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, explains: “Heart failure doesn’t mean your heart has stopped. It means it’s not pumping as strongly or efficiently as it should.”
Heart failure happens when the heart can’t pump blood effectively due to weakness or stiffness. This can lead to breathlessness, fatigue, leg or ankle swelling, and sudden weight gain. “People often confuse heart failure with a heart attack,” says Dr Muthiah. “A heart attack is a sudden event caused by a blocked artery. Heart failure is usually a chronic condition that develops gradually over time.”
Heart failure is often the result of long-term strain on the heart from other conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or previous heart attacks. It can also be triggered by heart rhythm problems, excessive alcohol consumption, or inherited heart muscle conditions.
You may be more likely to develop heart failure if you:
- Have high blood pressure, diabetes or obesity
- Are over 65
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Smoke, drink heavily, or are inactive
Heart failure can start silently. Early signs to be aware of include:
- Shortness of breath during activity or when lying down
- Fatigue doing everyday tasks
- Swollen legs, ankles or feet
- Sudden weight gain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
The good news is that heart failure is often preventable and, in some cases, even reversible.
“Lifestyle changes are powerful,” says Dr Muthiah. “A healthy diet, regular exercise, managing blood pressure and diabetes, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol can significantly reduce your risk. It’s never too late to start – even small changes can ease strain on your heart and help you feel better.”
Heart disease often develops quietly, without symptoms, so regular heart health checks are essential, even if you feel well. Early detection means early intervention and better outcomes.
Start screenings in your 20s – 30s with checks for blood pressure, cholesterol and family history every 2 -5 years. From 40 onwards, include diabetes screening and heart rhythm checks every 1 – 2 years or more often if you have risk factors like smoking, obesity or a family history of heart disease.
“Heart failure is common, but often goes unrecognised until it’s advanced,” says Dr Muthiah. “By increasing understanding and encouraging early action, with early diagnosis, the right treatment, and healthy lifestyle choices, heart failure can be managed, and people can live longer, healthier lives.”
Find out more about how you can support Heart Lung innovation at St Vincent’s.