It is easy to imagine, such a high level of hospital admissions for heart failure (1-2% Globally every year) can mean a large impact on a society and its healthcare system2. In 2012 the global cost of heart failure was estimated to be $108 billion, with between 69% and 87% spent on hospitalisations and inpatient care 1,3. Obviously, this can cause a huge strain on a local healthcare system, and presents a real need to try and reduce the number of associated hospital admissions.
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It is easy to imagine, such a high level of hospital admissions for heart failure (1-2% Globally every year) can mean a large impact on a society and its healthcare system2. In 2012 the global cost of heart failure was estimated to be $108 billion, with between 69% and 87% spent on hospitalisations and inpatient care 1,3. Obviously, this can cause a huge strain on a local healthcare system, and presents a real need to try and reduce the number of associated hospital admissions.
A key step in improving outcomes for those with heart failure, and to society, lies in educating the public and policymakers about what heart failure is, its risks, burden and how it can best be managed 4. In fact, a previous study undertaken by the World Heart Federation identified this lack of understanding among patients as the greatest roadblock in heart failure diagnosis and and the highest priority area in the prevention of heart failure4.
With understanding of central to reducing hospitalisation and mortality rates of those with HF, the WHF outlined two recommendations5:
Read the full study done on the gap in heart failure awareness among the general public and policymakers.
References
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