Getting to the heart of it

The Heart Failure Specialist Nurses at Worthing Hospital were out promoting heart failure awareness in May.

Lorna East, Jo Williams and Warren Garrett were in the Penguin Foyer highlighting the importance of an early and accurate diagnosis plus the need for optimal treatment.

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart becomes less efficient at pumping blood around the body.

Almost 1 million people in the UK have this condition and it is estimated around 4,500 patients are affected in the Worthing area. The Trust has about 300-400 patients discharged with a diagnosis of heart failure each year. If recognised in time and adequately treated, people can have a good quality of life.

The team offered blood pressure and pulse checks with information and advice on adopting healthier lifestyle choices.

For more information please visit the British Society for Heart Failure – www.bsh.org.uk