Despite increasing rates of heart failure, new survey indicates only 1 in 5 Americans can recognize symptoms
Heart failure now accounts for more hospitalizations than all forms of cancer combined, and it costs the U.S. an estimated $30.7 billion each year, reports Abbot which has released results of a new study of more than 3,000 Americans that reveals a significant gap in awareness of what heart failure is and an understanding of how the disease can be managed.
More than 6 million Americans are currently living with the disease, yet only one in five adults can accurately recognize the condition's signs and symptoms, said the company. In addition to a low understanding of heart failure signs and symptoms, survey data also found that while more than 50 percent of people understand that heart failure can be controlled if identified early, only one in five respondents could correctly identify the majority of heart failure symptoms (Feeling fatigued and weak, shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling in the legs, ankles or feet)
In addition, there is a clear desire for more information: 65 percent of people say they wish they knew more about heart failure, but there is an assumption that the doctor will bring it up if there is a concern.
“We learned that 45 percent of survey-takers believe that a cardiologist has to diagnose heart failure,” said Philip B. Adamson, MD, medical director for Abbott’s heart failure business. “Your first conversation about heart failure doesn’t have to be with a cardiologist or heart failure specialist. Heart failure is a topic you can - and should - bring up to your primary care doctor.”
As many as 65 percent of survey respondents said they wish they knew more about heart failure, but only one in five are likely to speak to their doctor because they are afraid of what it might mean. Most people don’t think heart failure will impact them or their family; however, every two in five Americans are either affected by heart failure or personally know someone who is.
“These survey results are a wake-up call for Americans to start talking about the signs and risk factors of heart failure," said Dr. Adamson. “Millions of people - far too many families - are impacted by this condition and don’t realize an earlier diagnosis can allow for more effective treatment options. Abbott is focused on clearing up the misunderstandings of heart failure and raising awareness of management options, so people can focus on living healthy lives.”
To build awareness, Abbott has created resources to help people talk with their doctor about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options. Find these materials, and stories of people living full, rewarding lives at HeartFailureMyths.com.
Survey results suggest concerted efforts to educate minority communities about their risk of developing heart failure are working - Hispanic and African American respondents are significantly more likely to recognize that they are at a higher risk for developing heart failure. These efforts are for good reason: the incidence of heart failure is 2.4 per 1,000 persons in Caucasian communities, 3.5 in Hispanics, and 4.6 in African Americans.
But those same groups are not any more likely to accurately identify symptoms or know what to do if they were experiencing heart failure. Only 25 percent of African American and Hispanic respondents said they would quickly recognize if they were experiencing heart failure.
Just 31 percent of African American respondents and 33 percent of Hispanic respondents said they would know what to do if they thought they were experiencing heart failure. There is also evidence that suggests a need to continue awareness efforts among other at-risk groups, including men, pregnant women and cancer patients.
