Anna Nova Galeon

15-05-2025

Image by AZ-BLT via Envato Elements

Heart failure doesn’t stop us: It drives us to act, raise awareness, and save lives

Heart failure affects millions globally, and its prevalence is steadily increasing as populations age and cardiovascular risk factors rise. Yet, despite its serious nature, heart failure is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. That’s why Heart Failure Awareness Days 2025, organised by the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), is a critical initiative in the global health calendar.

This annual campaign, which will take place from 5 to 11 May 2025, aims to raise awareness, educate communities, and empower individuals - both patients and caregivers- with the knowledge and tools to recognise, manage, and support those affected by heart failure.

Understanding heart failure

Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently to meet the body’s needs. Contrary to its name, heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working altogether; it means it needs help. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen legs, ankles, or abdomen
• Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention
• Difficulty performing daily activities.

Heart failure can affect people of all ages. Still, it is more common in older adults and those with underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.

The 2025 theme - “Heart failure doesn’t stop us”

This year’s powerful theme, “Heart failure doesn’t stop us”, emphasises the strength and resilience of individuals with heart failure. It challenges the misconceptions that heart failure is a death sentence or that those affected cannot lead active, meaningful lives. The theme also calls attention to the importance of:

• Early detection through awareness of symptoms
• Timely diagnosis using medical assessments and imaging
• Access to personalised care plans and multidisciplinary support
• Ongoing lifestyle changes to improve quality of life.

Why raising awareness matters

Awareness can save lives. Many individuals dismiss early symptoms of heart failure as signs of ageing or fatigue. Delayed recognition often leads to preventable hospitalisations and a decreased chance of effective treatment. Raising awareness promotes:

• Improved public understanding of heart failure as a manageable condition
• Increased funding for research and patient support services
• Better training for healthcare professionals
• Policy change to prioritise cardiovascular health on national agendas

Activities during Heart Failure Awareness Days 2025

Across the UK and internationally, a variety of activities will take place throughout the week to engage communities and healthcare systems:

• Free health screenings, including blood pressure checks
• Informative webinars and live panels with cardiologists and patient advocates
• Social media campaigns highlighting real-life stories of courage and recovery
• Workplace wellness initiatives promoting heart-healthy practices
• Interactive community workshops on diet, exercise, and stress management.

How you can get involved

No action is too small. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a patient, a family member, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, there are many ways to contribute:

• Educate yourself and others about heart failure symptoms and risk factors
• Attend a local event or join online webinars
• Share your story or support others by listening
• Promote healthy lifestyle changes in your community
• Engage with awareness materials on social media using hashtags: #HeartFailureAwareness #HFAW2025 #HeartFailureDoesntStopUs

Conclusion

Heart failure doesn’t define anyone. Individuals can manage their condition and thrive with access to information, early intervention, and a strong support network. This Heart Failure Awareness Week, let’s amplify the voices of those with heart failure, celebrate the progress made, and commit to building a more heart-conscious world.

At The Mandatory Training Group, we are proud to support this vital awareness campaign. Through our wide range of accredited health and social care training courses, we help professionals gain the knowledge they need to identify and respond to chronic conditions like heart failure.

ComplyPlus™, our innovative platform, empowers organisations to maintain up-to-date training records, manage clinical governance, and ensure compliance with national health standards.

Together, we can support safer, healthier communities.