Heart disease
Thousands of deaths caused by heart failure in the UK could be prevented, according to a recent survey.
The SHAPE study, initiated by a group of independent medical specialists, showed that inadequate awareness, diagnosis and treatment of heart failure could be contributing to thousands of preventable deaths every year.
Investigating people's overall understanding of the disease, which causes more than 24,000 deaths in Britain each year, the survey acknowledged that there is a widespread lack of knowledge when it comes to the condition.
Although 93% of those surveyed has heard of heart failure, only 2% could identify the signs and symptoms of the disease, it revealed.
Commenting on the results, Richard Hobbs, professor of primary care and general practice, at the University of Birmingham, said: "We need to increase public understanding, because early diagnosis, along with proper treatment and lifestyle modification would mean that many patients with heart failure could not only live longer but also enjoy a better quality of life."
Another study of UK doctors also revealed that only 22% of doctors are prescribing optimal treatment to patients following diagnosis. Overall, the condition affects more than one million people in the UK. While the majority recognised the symptoms of heart failure, only one in four GPs admitted they use additional tests, such as echocardiography, to accurately confirm diagnosis.
