Lebanese Society of Cardiology's Heart Failure Working Group to raise awareness across Lebanon of Heart Failure

This year's May 10-16 Heart Failure Awareness Week is being implemented in collaboration with the Order of Nurses in Lebanon, under the theme "Train the Trainer," involving training nurses in more than 35 hospitals and other health establishments nationwide to educate their patients and caregivers about heart failure through presentations and educational booklets.

"Our aim is to educate the Lebanese in general; cardiac patients, their caregivers and health care professionals in particular; to improve awareness of heart failure symptoms and management tools in order to encourage early detection and treatment of this chronic disease," said Dr. Hadi Skouri, Chairman, LSC Heart Failure Working Group.

Activities this year will also include media outreaches, and the introduction of the "heartfailurematters.org" website which will be made available in Arabic shortly.

"Heart Failure is a global epidemic, affecting 2% of the world's mainly elderly population," explained Skouri.

"The condition arises when the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It does not mean that the heart has stopped or is about to stop working, but that it's not able to pump blood the way it should."

The weakening of the heart's pumping ability causes a number of issues including blood and fluid backing up into the lungs; the buildup of fluid in the feet, ankles and legs; as well as tiredness and shortness of breath.

Common causes of heart failure are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. It is more common in those 65 or older, people who are overweight, and people who have had a heart attack.

Doctors diagnose heart failure through a physical exam and heart tests. Treatment includes treating underlying causes, medicines, devices, and heart transplantation in some cases.

Last year's LSC Heart Failure Working Group campaign was among those from seven countries, and the only one from Arab-league nations, to receive the European Society of Cardiology's 2012 Heart Failure Campaign Award at a ceremony in Belgrade, Serbia. Skouri spoke at the event about the role of awareness and education in the management of heart failure and shed light on awareness activities in Lebanon, which were praised by organizers for their efficacy despite limited resources.

"All of us at the LSC were honored to receive the European Society of Cardiology award," said Dr. Samir Arnaout, LSC President. "Health awareness and education has been a cornerstone of my mandate at the LSC and it's always heartwarming and encouraging when campaigns and activities are recognized by our peers."