In observance of Heart Failure Awareness Week, the Heart Failure Society of America hosted #HFChat2019 and was joined by @AAHFN, @HeartBrothers1, @JHUNursing, @MendedHearts, @WomenHeartOrg, @CanHFSociety, @ACCinTouch to discuss what we can do to improve heart failure care and awareness. Below is the complete transcript of the discussion.
#HFChat2019 Twitter Chat Transcript:
Question 1: What is heart failure and how big of an issue is it in the US and beyond?
Heart Failure Society of America @HFSA
- Heart failure is a progressive condition in which the heart’s muscle gets injured from something like a heart attack or high blood pressure and gradually loses its ability to pump enough blood to supply the body’s needs.
- Current estimates are that nearly 6.5 million Americans over the age of 20 have heart failure. One major study estimates there are 960,000 new heart failure cases annually. #HFChat2019
- Heart failure directly accounts for about 8.5% of all heart disease deaths in the United States. And, by some estimates heart failure actually contributes to about 36% of all cardiovascular disease deaths. #HFChat2019 #hfchat2019
American Association of Heart Failure Nurses @AAHFN
- HF is the when the demands of body cannot be met due to the inability of the heart to pump or fill. It is predicted to effect >8 million people by 2030! #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
American College of Cardiology @ACCinTouch
- If you have #heartfailure, your heart isn’t pumping as well as it should. As a result, fluid can build up in the body—most…
Canadian Heart Failure Society @CanHFSociety
- Q1A1 #HFChat2019 in Canada there are 90000 new cases a year
The HeartBrothers Foundation @HeartBrothers1
- #Heartfailure (#HF) is the inability of the heart to properly pump blood to the body. Annually, HF kills more people than all forms of cancer combined. It takes a huge toll on the patient AND family. The long-term financial/emotional costs on society are immense.
Mended Hearts @MendedHearts
- To understand what HF is, it may help to understand what it’s not: HF doesn’t mean your heart has stopped working. Rather, it refers to a condition in which your heart isn’t pumping all the blood your body needs. #HeartFailureAwareness #HFChat2019
Women Heart @WomenHeartOrg
- Heart failure is a condition where the heart muscle weakens and gradually loses its ability to pump enough blood. Damage to the heart from coronary heart disease, heart valve problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity can lead to HF.
- Heart failure is a growing public health concern in the U.S. and worldwide. Heart failure affects 6.5 million Americans and more than 50% are women. Women with heart failure tend to have more hospital stays and report a poorer quality of life than men. #HFChat2019
John Hopkins University School of Nursing @JHUNursing (Binu Koirala @bnukoirala)
- About 26 million adults worldwide are living with heart failure. It is a final common pathway for many cardiovascular diseases. #HFChat2019 @JHUNursing
- In economically developed countries, up to one person in five is expected to develop heart failure. Although once a condition primarily in developed countries, the burden of heart failure is increasing in emergent economies. #HFChat2019 @JHUNursing
- Despite the significant advances in therapies and prevention, mortality and morbidity are still high and quality of life poor. #HFChat2019 @JHUNursing https://t.co/L1uvuJqGuF
Question 2: What do patients and care providers need to know regarding HF? #HFChat2019
Heart Failure Society of America @HFSA
- Often times HF is misdiagnosed so it is important to understand patients that may be at risk due to lifestyle or family history and encourage preventative actions. #HFChat2019
- One issue that needs to be discussed in HF is palliative care. This is health care that does not seek to cure a disease, but to soothe, prevent, reduce, or relieve symptoms. #HFChat2019
American Association of Heart Failure Nurses @AAHFN
- Patients have a right to access HF specialists to help them and their caregivers make the best decisions on their plan of care. #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
American College of Cardiology @ACCinTouch
- ACC's TreatHF App helps clinicians confirm which therapies are recommended for symptomatic HFrEF & provides guidance for each treatment. Learn more #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
The HeartBrothers Foundation @HeartBrothers1
- In many cases #heartfailure is not curable. At best it's manageable. Access to resources for nutrition & changes in lifestyle are key. #HF and its side effects should be managed/treated aggressively & promptly as prolonged untreated HF will damage other organs. #HFChat2019
- Also, the #heartfailurepatient (as well as the family!) need to know that, at some time, the patient will need a #bridgetotransplant (whether a SWAN or #LVAD). #HFChat2019 #heartfailureawareness #hearttransplant
Mended Hearts @MendedHearts
- A HF diagnosis is difficult to accept, but it does not mean your life is over. Major progress has been made in treatment of HF. W/ effective meds, surgical procedures & other therapies & lifestyle changes, it’s possible to stabilize HF & live a full life #HFChat2019
Women Heart @WomenHeartOrg
- Risk of heart failure increases with age for both women and men, and the prevalence of HF is projected to increase to greater than 8 million people by 2030. Women tend to live longer with heart failure than men but often remain symptomatic. #HFChat2019
- Lifetime risk of heart failure is higher among patients with high blood pressure and obesity. High blood pressure is a risk because it causes increased heart stiffness by thickening the heart muscle (ventricular hypertrophy). #HFChat2019
- A unique cause of HF in women is Peripartum Cardiomyopathy, which occurs in pregnant women near delivery. Risk factors include older maternal age, multi-fetal pregnancies and hypertension/preeclampsia. Read a story about PPCM here: https://t.co/1qswt1bYnR #HFChat2019
- Also, survival after the onset of heart failure has improved with advances in medical and device therapy. If a patient with heart failure is doing well, they usually will stay well on medical/device therapy and with close follow-up. #HFChat2019
John Hopkins University School of Nursing @JHUNursing (Binu Koirala @bnukoirala)
- Providers better understanding of the use of evidence-based guidelines and patient’s self-care (taking ownership) are crucial aspect of heart failure management. #HFChat2019 @JHUNursing
Question 3: What can be done to improve outcomes of patients diagnosed with HF? #HFChat2019
Heart Failure Society of America @HFSA
- Making positive lifestyle changes is almost always necessary for people with heart failure. This often includes changing your diet, getting more physical activity into your day, and quitting if you smoke. #HFChat2019
- Improve health outcomes by identifying patients’ modifiable health risks and providing follow-up behavior change interventions. #HFChat2019
- Some heart failure does not have good treatment options. If you have this condition, you may want to consider enrolling in or learning more about clinical trials to help find effective treatments. #HFChat2019
- You need accurate information about heart failure, especially your specific condition, to make good decisions about your care. Talking honestly with your doctor or nurse is the best way to get that information. #HFChat2019
- Providers should have open and honest discussions with patients and caregivers throughout their HF journey to ensure the patients are educated on their disease at each phase and equipped to manage their HF effectively. #HFChat2019
American Association of Heart Failure Nurses @AAHFN
- Early recognition of symptoms and treatment can decrease hospitalizations and improved outcomes and quality of life. Patients and caregivers collaborating with providers produce the best results! #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
American College of Cardiology @ACCinTouch & CardioSmart (@CardioSmart)
- To improve outcomes, patients should limit salt intake, take medications as prescribed and always be sure to discuss any changes w/ their clinician: #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
- Patients should know that if you or a loved one has #heartfailure, you’re not alone. Almost 6 million Americans have HF, and by managing HF, people can live normal lives: #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
The HeartBrothers Foundation @HeartBrothers1
- Tactics to improve outcomes for #heartfailure patients include: Aggressive treatment--EARLY. Implantation of MCS. Patient & caregiver education. Referrals to #HFCenters that focus on #AdvancedHF. Access to credible online FAQs to plan life w/ #ChronicHF. #HFChat2019
- Tactics to improve outcomes for #heartfailure patients ALSO include: a stress on #healthyliving as well as not waiting too long to take the tests necessary to be added to the #transplantwaitinglist. #HFChat2019 #hearttransplantwaitinglist
Mended Hearts @MendedHearts
- Following treatments and taking control of your diet is a key part of managing HF. Your doctor will work with you to help you understand what you need to do in order to eat healthier. #HeartFailureAwareness #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
- Patients can find more information and tips in our GoTo Guide here: Mend Hearts #HeartFailureAwareness #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
- #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
Women Heart @WomenHeartOrg
- Limit alcohol intake and don’t smoke cigarettes. You can control your life rather than HF controlling you by eating well and staying active. And don’t underestimate the power of friends and family. Find support with places like WomenHeart #HFChat2019
- If the cause of your heart disease is identified, ask your doctor about new advances in treatment and keep asking. Therapy improves with advances in research over time, so don’t be afraid to be vocal with your provider. #HFChat2019
John Hopkins University School of Nursing @JHUNursing (Binu Koirala @bnukoirala)
- Self-care is important in achieving best patient outcomes: to reduce mortality and improve quality of life. It also helps maintain and manage heart failure symptoms to prevent avoidable complications. #HFChat2019 @JHUNursing
- Person-centered care models that emphasis on increasing access and equity through focusing on social determinants of health. #HFChat2019 @JHUNursing
- Self-check plan for heart failure management #HFChat2019 @JHUNursing
Question 4: What is being done to make sure physicians and nurses across the healthcare continuum know the best practices when treating/managing a HF patient aggressively managing co-morbidities including diabetes? #HFChat2019
Heart Failure Society of America @HFSA
- Provide guidance to providers offering clinical preventive care, health promotion, and disease management services on ways to use HF health risk assessment tools followed by evidence-based health improvement programs. #HFChat2019
- Understanding risk factors for HF (obesity, DM, CAD, hypertension, smoking and diabetes) and prevalence. Focus on both prevention of risk factors, and also early detection of HF if they have risk factors. #HFChat2019
- There are screening blood test (BNP or NT pro BNP) & noninvasive tests (echo) that can be done by your pcp if you have symptoms. Don’t be afraid to ask. Symptom assessment is the key to stay healthy & to understand early changes will prevent hospital admissions. #HFChat2019
American Association of Heart Failure Nurses @AAHFN
- The American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) is a specialty organization dedicated to advancing nursing education, clinical practice and research, to improve heart failure patient outcomes. Heart failure is our exclusive interest and passion. #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
- Our goal is to set the standards for heart failure nursing care. We unite the full spectrum of nurses and other health professionals interested in heart failure. Through educational activities we support HF nurses to care for complex patients. #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
- Join us for our educational offerings in person or online Events List AAHFN Educational Activities #HFChat2019
American College of Cardiology @ACCinTouch
- ACC's HF & Transplant Section is the home for HF specialists within the ACC, advocating for & advancing priorities of interest to the community. https://t.co/5o9guG3qCC #ACCHFT #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
The HeartBrothers Foundation @HeartBrothers1
- We hosted a series of training programs for #EMTs in 2018 to teach--in emergent situations outside the hospital (ambulance, etc.)--how to specifically treat patients #posttransplant or w/ an #LVAD. It was hugely successful and we'll host more in the future! #HFChat2019
- We do know there is some education in existence for #USTransplantRegion1 doctors and nurses. But we have also heard there is a lack of education in some other regions. #HFChat2019
John Hopkins University School of Nursing @JHUNursing (Binu Koirala @bnukoirala)
- There is a need for multimorbidity to be effectively integrated into clinical care of older adults living with heart failure with the development of guideline, recommendations and performance measures. #HFChat2019 @JHUNursing
Question 5: How can providers advocate and improve HF patient care and outcomes? #HFChat2019
Heart Failure Society of America @HFSA
- HF organizations should educate members on health policy and health economics to help them become more effective advocates. #HFChat2019
- Assist HF patients with better understanding how to work with the payer community in order to gain access to the appropriate medications and HF management services. #HFChat2019
- It is imperative we educate the public in our local communities about these staggering facts and get the word out about heart failure and prevention factors. #HFChat2019
American Association of Heart Failure Nurses @AAHFN
- Have a voice and support policies for optimal care for HF patients, their caregivers, nurses and providers! #HFWeek2019 #HFChat2019
- Collaborate with other organizations to have a greater impact! Like those on this Tweet! or https://t.co/0LJOVq8GLC #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
American College of Cardiology @ACCinTouch
- If you're an ACC member, learn how you can take action on #HeartFailure. Check out ACC's advocacy efforts: @Cardiology #HFWeek2019 #HFWeek2019
The HeartBrothers Foundation @HeartBrothers1
- From the #heartransplantsurvivor standpoint, life w #heartfailure is miserable. Having understanding/supportive docs/nurses and ongoing 1-on-1 dialogues are key. Assistance w taking/managing meds is huge. Simple things like low-sodium foods while an in-patient. #HFChat2019
- We talk to #heartfailurepatients & families all the time who don’t know a lot about what is going on. Our group of volunteer survivors (#teamheartbrothers) visit #patients & #caregivers in the hospital & at their homes to add a level of support and knowledge. #HFChat2019
Mended Hearts @MendedHearts
- Shared Decision Making with the patient is important. Focus on assuring the patient is a part of the treatment and solution. Empower the patient to take control of their health. #HeartFailureAwareness #HFChat2019
Women Heart @WomenHeartOrg
- Women are underrepresented in clinical trials. Encouraging more female participation could improve health care. The causes of HF are different for women and men, and drugs/devices may affect everyone differently. The future of heart failure depends on research. #HFChat2019
John Hopkins University School of Nursing @JHUNursing (Binu Koirala @bnukoirala)
- When discussing about heart failure with you patients: use simple language. #HFChat2019 @JHUNursing
- Reconsidering the role of patient education and the influence of sociodemographic and clinical factors on behavior change is critically important. #HFChat2019 @JHUNursing
Question 6: How can individuals make a difference within their community to reduce HF? #HFChat2019
Heart Failure Society of America @HFSA
- Take action in your local area by hosting a Public forum or event on Heart Failure throughout the year. #HFChat2019
- Talk with your healthcare provider/Patient about support options available. There may be heart failure support groups meeting in local areas. These can be good sources of encouragement and information for people with heart failure. #HFChat2019
- Do Your Part, Know Your Heart seeks to make living with #heartfailure less of a challenge, & arms patients & those at risk with the info and resources to take control of their heart health. Share with family & friends the importance of living a heart smart life. #HFChat2019
American Association of Heart Failure Nurses @AAHFN
- Prevention is the best medicine! Promote a healthy life style and treat conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol which increase the risk for heart disease! #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
- Talk about signs and symptoms of heart failure for early recognition and treatment! #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019 https://t.co/0tf0E5oRby
American College of Cardiology @ACCinTouch
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If you're an ACC member, learn how you can take action on #HeartFailure. Check out ACC's advocacy efforts: @Cardiology #HFChat2019 #HFWeek2019
The HeartBrothers Foundation @HeartBrothers1
- Education & encouraging lifestyle change! Not all #heartfailure is preventable, but diet/exercise/no drugs/reduced alcohol help reduce #heartattacks, one of the leading causes of #CHF. Annual check-ups. Knowing the early signs. Encouraging aggressive treatment. #HFChat2019
- See a doctor on a regular basis. #Heartattacks are a big reason for #HeartFailure. #Healthyliving & routine checkups can reduce risks. Viruses & pregnancy are other causes for #HF & should be looked into if they apply to you/a loved one. #HFChat2019 #heartfailureawareness
Mended Hearts @MendedHearts
- Know the risks of HF, maintain a healthy lifestyle, quit smoking, and eat right to reduce your risk #HeartFailureAwareness #HFChat2019
- Know the symptoms and talk to your doctor: Cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, or edema are some. Don’t ignore your symptoms! #HeartFailureAwareness #HFChat2019
Women Heart @WomenHeartOrg
- So much can be done! Review heart failure symptoms and signs with caregivers at nursing homes. Heart failure prevalence increases with age. Use infographics like this one #HFChat2019 #WomenHeartOrg
- You could share your favorite low-salt, low-cholesterol recipes with friends and family, or ask your favorite restaurant to create meals low in salt/cholesterol. WomenHeart shares heart-healthy recipes weekly here: Women Heart Living #HFChat2019
- Become a WomenHeart Champion and provide support for others with HF! Join support groups to help others fight heart failure and don’t stop when you get well. Encouragement is best after success. Learn more here: Woman Heart Champions #HFChat2019
- Promote healthy eating and exercise in the school district. Reducing obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol can prevent heart failure later. Warn children in schools that alcohol and illicit drugs can harm the heart and cause heart failure down the road. #HFChat2019
- Visit a heart failure friend and share your success story. Review good eating/exercise habits and encourage heart healthy living within your friend group. Read heart stories from other women here: Women Heart Stories #HFChat2019
- Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to hide your medical conditions. Sharing your heart journey may reduce heart failure by making your community aware that HF affects all ages/races/sex. It doesn’t discriminate. #HFChat2019
This concludes our #HFChat2019 Twitter Chat for #HFWeek2019. A very special thank you to all of our participants - @AAHFN, @HeartBrothers1, @JHUNursing, @MendedHearts, @WomenHeartOrg, @CanHFSociety, @ACCinTouch, & YOU - for inspiring us with your ideas and insights! #HFWeek2019
For more information, visit 2019 Heart Failure Awareness Week
HFSA gratefully acknowledges AstraZeneca, Cytokinetics and Novartis for their sponsorship of the 2019 Heart Failure Awareness Week activities.