Portugal's healthcare system strained by rising heart failure cases among elderly
The most common symptoms include shortness of breath (especially with exertion or when lying down), easy fatigue, swelling in the legs or ankles, and rapid weight gain due to fluid retention. Often, these signs are dismissed or attributed to aging, which can delay diagnosis. However, early detection of the disease allows for timely treatment and improves prognosis.
The causes of heart failure are varied
but are frequently linked to cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction, hypertension, and heart valve disorders. Today, there is an increasingly clear connection with risk factors tied to modern lifestyles, including obesity and diabetes. These factors significantly contribute to both the development and progression of heart failure.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in Europe, with a substantial portion of this burden tied to modifiable risk factors like obesity and diabetes.
Heart failure is also a major cause of hospitalization
In 2023, there were an average of around 232 hospital admissions per 100,000 people in the European Union related to this condition, reflecting its significant impact on healthcare systems.
National studies, such as the PORTHOS study, have highlighted the growing burden of heart failure in the Portuguese population, particularly among older age groups, as well as the need to improve prevention, early diagnosis, and care coordination.
The good news is that, in many cases, heart failure can be prevented—or its onset delayed.
Managing risk factors is key: maintaining a healthy weight, adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, and avoiding tobacco are essential steps.
On this European Heart Failure Awareness Day, the message is clear: Recognizing the signs and risk factors today helps safeguard tomorrow. Informing, preventing, and acting promptly can make all the difference in the lives of thousands.
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