heart disease
When the heart gets damaged
The heart is a pump, and the blood vessels are the tubes with which the blood reaches the whole body to keep it healthy and make it work properly. When the heart or the blood vessels are damaged, blood circulation is reduced, and the body will slowly start to deteriorate, affecting other organs. 1
Damage to the heart or the blood vessels causes heart disease (also called cardiovascular disease). The damage over time can cause the heart to become weaker or stiff, which makes it pump less effectively. Blood is unable to deliver nutrients and oxygen or remove waste and excess fluid from the body effectively. This conditions is called Heart Failure. 2-4
How common is Heart Failure?
Heart Failure affects approximately 64 million people worldwide. 5 Of all adults aged 40 and older, one in five will develop Heart Failure in their lifetime. 6 While Heart Failure is predominantly found in older people, it can affect people of all ages.2
There is limited data on how many South Africans are affected by Heart Failure, but we do know the following important information: 7
- Heart Failure is the most common form of heart disease in South Africa.
- it is often first diagnosed in adult patients between 30 and 50.
- Heart Failure in SA is different from that seen in high-income countries. It affects predominantly younger patients and it is more often caused by infections than is seen in other countries.
Heart Failure Risk Checker
How do you know if you are at risk of heart disease? Check some of the common symptoms or take the Risk Checker test.
Stages & types of Heart Failure
There are various ways doctors classify Heart Failure.
Stage A
You have a high risk for heart failure, but no damage to the heart yet, and showing no symptoms.
Stage B
Your heart is damaged, but you show no symptoms yet.
Stage C
Your heart is damaged, and you experience symptoms.
Stage D
Your heart is severely damaged, and you need specialised treatment to function.
How much your daily life is impacted by Heart Failure is defined by classes, with Class 1 causing no limitation to your everyday life, and Class IV leaving you unable to carry on physical activity without discomfort, and you may even have symptoms while resting. 7
Your heart may also be failing on either the left side or the right side, which may cause different types of symptoms, or you may show sudden symptoms (acute) or symptoms may develop slowing over time (chronic). 7
