This month Croí Galway are asking people to take action and Raise The Flag on the symptoms and dangers of heart failure.
Heart failure is a disease that affects some 26 million people and is growing in prevalence Croí said.
As many as 1 in 5 people over the age of 40 will develop heart failure in their lifetime as a result of heart disease, high blood pressure, certain infections, or congenital conditions.
Croí warns that heart failure can take years to develop and or occur extremely suddenly, and that the early symptoms can be subtle, but a timely diagnosis is crucial.
Over the next three Fridays, May 17, 24, 31, Croí are asking people to Raise the Flag with the to highlight the danger signs and symptoms of heart failure.
Red flag symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue and swollen limbs, while other early symptoms include:
- Coughing/wheezing
- Extreme tiredness or no energy
- Loss of appetite
- More frequent urination, especially at night
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Shortness of breath, even when lying down
- Swelling in the ankles/feet/stomach
- Weight gain over a short period of time (>2kg over 2 days)
People who experience these symptoms should contact their GP to discuss potential health concerns they made have.
Raise the Flag will see Croí, the Heart & Stroke Charity, are joining with The Global Heart Hub and over 20 organisations across 15 counties worldwide.
