Health. Heart failure: these four signs that should alert you

With 2 million people affected in France, heart failure is increasing by 25% every 4 years due to the aging population. A chronic and progressive condition, it results from the inability of the heart muscle (the heart's "pump") to send enough blood to the organs, and therefore the oxygen and nutrients they need.

The heart tries to compensate by increasing its heart rate and output, but it becomes exhausted, and physiological changes eventually appear. Initially, during exercise, if left untreated, heart failure progresses and occurs even at rest.

It is estimated that heart failure is responsible for the deaths of 70,000 people each year in France.

EPOF, these four symptoms to know

To combat diagnostic errors and enable early detection of the disease, the French Society of Cardiology is organizing the first heart failure screening day in 25 hospitals and clinics across France.

Objective: to detect heart failure and refer patients to a cardiologist, but also to raise awareness of the warning signs of the disease, the symptoms whose initials make up the acronym “EPOF”.

EPOF consists of four symptoms that are not very specific, but whose association and recent occurrence should immediately raise alarm bells:

• E for shortness of breath on exertion and/or when lying down;
• P for significant weight gain in a few days;
• O for edema of the lower limbs with swollen legs and feet;
• F for significant fatigue , which limits daily activities.

"These symptoms are generally not linked by patients and the general public to a heart problem. And patients do not seek primary care despite these symptoms, which are often attributed to age or a venous circulation problem," noted Professor Thibaud Damy, cardiologist at Henri-Mondor Hospital (Créteil), during a press conference on September 6.

A heavy impact on the quality of life

While symptoms are generally present several weeks or even two months before hospitalization for nearly half of patients, "we always act too late. In people's minds, the connection between symptoms and heart failure is not made," the specialist continues.

To confirm the diagnosis, a measurement of NT-proBNP, a cardiac biomarker, is performed. Additional tests are then carried out to determine the cause. Then, treatment aims to stop the progression of heart failure, reduce its complications (hospitalization and death) and improve the quality of life of patients , as the pathology has a significant impact on daily life.

"According to various data, the quality of life of heart failure patients is at the same level as a patient who receives dialysis three times a week. The impact on daily, social, and professional life is very significant," explains Dr. Benoît Lequeux.

EPON, the four pillars of treatment

To treat heart failure, the “EPON” strategy has proven itself:

• E for e exercise or regular physical activity . Note that it is important to stop all activity in case of shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, nausea and cold sweats;
• P to weigh yourself regularly : consult your doctor quickly in the event of rapid weight gain over 2 or 3 days;
• O to observe his treatment and follow-up;
• N for not salting your diet : 4 to 6 grams of salt per day corresponds to a low-salt diet. You should add little salt to your dishes and avoid eating very salty products such as cold meats, cheese, and ready meals.

“Together, these four treatments improve patient survival, reduce rehospitalizations, and improve quality of life,” explains Dr. Benoît Lequeux.

Find heart failure screening days near you by clicking here .