Il test for the diagnosis of heart failure with a simple finger prick it must be more available, also from GPs and pharmacies. This is the request of theItalian Association of Heart Failure Patientson the occasion of its tenth anniversary.
Test for the diagnosis of heart failure: the standard one only in the emergency room
The early diagnosis of heart failure It is critical for timely treatment. I test standardbased on natriuretic peptides NT-pro-BNP or BNP, are available in the emergency room to identify severe dyspnea, i.e. shortness of breath, but also to diagnose patients with very mild symptoms. Their problem is that they are not widespread. Heart failure initially manifests itself with tiredness and weakness, which are often considered age-related problems.
Very heavy social costs and in terms of lives due to the decompensation
The compensation it is the main cause of hospitalization among those over 65 years of age, even if the general public’s knowledge of it is still poor. High mortality levels: rates five years after diagnosis reach 50%. Very often patients have to resort to treatment in hospital
Not only tests for the diagnosis of heart failure, but also new drugs
Scientific research has made great progress in the choice of drugs. «Today we have the possibility to adequately treat heart failure, reducing mortality and hospitalizations” points out Salvatore Di SommaDirector of the AISC/APS Scientific Committee, Cardiologist, professor of Internal Medicine at the La Sapienza University of Rome and President of GREAT-Italy.
«Among the new drugs, we remember the Sacubitril-Valsartan associationin addition to beta blockers and diuretics. I am SGLT2 inhibitors availablehypoglycemic drugs used to control blood sugar levels which international studies have demonstrated to be effective in heart failure, reducing mortality and hospitalization”.
The Community Houses project
The project of the Community houses. «In these realities – explains Professor Di Somma – there will be general practitioners present 24 hours a day, outpatient specialists and nurses. In the area there will be one structure for every 40,000 inhabitants.
Heart failure it is by definition a chronic disease, therefore it is necessary that the community houses become a territorial garrison to optimize their management. The aim is to home care and implement a health policy aimed at the territory.
Community houses do not see the doctor alone, but a multidisciplinary team and screening technology, allowing a response to health needs. In the community houses there will also be patient associations, to offer not only medical but also social support.”