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The story of heart failure goes far beyond the heart. ​

Connected conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, high blood pressure and mental health concerns all play a part in heart failure. The best response to heart failure is to understand the whole story… and treat the person.

Heart failure is a serious, progressive condition where the heart is weaker or stiffer than normal, making it harder for blood to circulate properly. But that’s only part of the story.

#HeartFailure #TheWholeStory

Heart Failure – The Whole Story

Heart failure rarely exists in isolation. It is often linked to other medical conditions, known as connected conditions, which can worsen heart function and complicate treatment.  A person’s heart failure is usually connected to other conditions, including diabetes​, kidney disease​, high blood pressure​, obesity​ and mental health concerns​. Some of these connected conditions can cause heart failure, some can be caused by it. But all of them mean that heart failure treatment must be connected to these other health conditions. ​

Recognising heart failure symptoms and connected conditions is crucial because early detection and management can help slow disease progression and improve quality of life. Simple steps like regular health check-ups, knowing key health numbers (such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels), and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce risks.  Understanding heart failure and its related conditions is important not only for those who have been diagnosed but for everyone. By recognising the signs, risk factors, and preventive measures, individuals can take proactive steps towards better heart health. Education, early screening, and lifestyle changes can have a profound impact, contributing to healthier hearts and longer lives. 

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Heart Failure Connected Conditions

Connected conditions occur when a person has more than one disease or condition at the same time.  Connected conditions are very common for people living with Heart Failure, even in younger age groups.

Heart failure patients often suffer from multiple connected conditions (cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular), such as an irregular heart rate or rhythm, high blood pressure, kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, iron deficiency, and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

Major connected conditions include:

  • Coronary Artery Disease, Kidney Disease, Obesity
  • Arrhythmia, electrolyte imbalance, thyroid disorder, stroke
  • Frailty, Gout, Arthritis,
  • Depression, Erectile dysfunction,
  • Anemia, Iron Deficiency
  • Cancer, Cardiac Amyloidosis, Malnutrition
  • Infection, Lung disease, sleep disorder breathing
  • Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, Valvular Heart Disease

Early, coordinated treatment is key

Understanding heart failure and the relationship between connected conditions empowers you to take control and live well.

With the right care, support, and awareness, life with multiple conditions can still be fulfilling.

Early, coordinated treatment is key, so discuss your connected conditions and risks with your healthcare professional.

Empower Webinar:

Heart Failure & Its Connected Conditions: Understanding Risk & Early Detection

As part of Heart Failure Awareness Month, Global Heart Hub is delighted to partner with Diabetes Initiative Indonesia for this patient-centred webinar on heart failure and its connected conditions. Heart failure is rarely an isolated condition—it is often linked to other health conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease, creating a complex landscape that can be challenging for patients to navigate.

This session will provide essential insights into the connections between these conditions, why early detection matters, and how patients can take proactive steps in managing their health.

A webinar not to be missed!

Actions You Can Take

If you or a loved one is living with heart failure and or connected conditions, ask your doctor about your specific conditions, risks and what lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of complications.

  • Talk to your doctor about routine screenings and early warning signs of heart failure and other conditions.
  • Ask your healthcare professionals to instruct you on all your conditions and provide a mutually agreed-upon action plan.
  • Stay proactive regarding your health—be aware of symptoms, act early and consult with your healthcare provider.
  • Track key health numbers: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and kidney function tests
  • Consider your family history and discuss with your healthcare provider any potential inherited health risks, as early awareness can help you take preventive measures.
  • Recognise early warning signs such as fatigue, swelling, or shortness of breath, and seek medical advice if symptoms arise.
  • Learning the causes and symptoms of Heart Failure is the best way to diagnose it early or avoid it entirely.

Know the Symptoms of the Heart Failure

Heart failure can affect different people in different ways. Symptoms can come on suddenly and be initially severe (acute heart failure) or they can appear over time and gradually get worse (chronic heart failure). If you have heart failure, you may have one, or a combination, of these symptoms.

Key symptoms commonly associated with heart failure include:

  • Coughing/wheezing
  • Extreme tiredness or no energy
  • Loss of appetite
  • More frequent urination, especially at night
  • Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Shortness of breath, even when lying down
  • Swelling in the ankles/feet/stomach
  • Weight gain over a short period of time (>2kg over 2 days)

By themselves, any one sign of heart failure may not be cause for alarm. But if you have one or more of these symptoms, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with any heart problems, you should visit your GP and ask the question “Could I have heart failure?”.

Heart Failure is often not recognised and misdiagnosed. It is estimated that 30% of patients living with Heart Failure have no obvious symptoms.

Local Resources & Communities:

Remember: You are not alone! There are resources and communities dedicated to helping you navigate your condition.  To find a GHH heart failure affiliate organisation in your local country, click here

Integrated care models can improve health outcomes for people with heart failure and connected conditions. When care is integrated across healthcare providers, it leads to fewer hospitalisations, better quality of life, and longer survival for the patients. Coordinated communication between providers is essential to ensure patients don’t feel lost. 

Integrated care models can improve health outcomes for people with heart failure and connected conditions. When care is integrated across healthcare providers, it leads to fewer hospitalisations, better quality of life, and longer survival for the patients. Coordinated communication between providers is essential to ensure patients don’t feel lost. 

Get Involved

Led by the Global Heart Hub’s Heart Failure Patient Council, the 2025 Heart Failure Awareness Campaign focuses on the importance of managing heart failure and connected conditions. The Heart Failure Patient Council is an alliance of patient organisations from across the globe, working with heart failure patients and their carers. A priority of the council is to raise awareness of heart failure, promote public and healthcare education and advocate for policy action in an insufficiently recognised and increasingly burdensome disease area.

To join the campaign or for more information, please email info@globalhearthub.org.