HOSPITAL admissions and deaths are likely to rise this winter as colder weather impacts the weakened hearts of up to half a million older Australians.
The greatest rise is among those with heart failure, where the heart muscle is no longer strong enough to pump sufficient blood around the body.
Sydney-based cardiologist Andrew Sindone said colder weather can increase blood pressure, exacerbating the condition.
"It is critically important that as the colder weather sets in, older Australians and their loved ones are on the lookout for symptoms of a struggling heart," said Professor Sindone, director of the Heart Failure Unit at Concord Hospital.
"Older Australians who experience fatigue, breathlessness and swelling in their ankles, legs or stomach need to speak to their doctor. These signs may indicate a deterioration of pre-existing heart failure."
The link between winter and the condition worsening among older Australians with pre-existing heart conditions is well established.
Research has found that in spite of relatively mild winters in most parts of Australia, the average winter increase in heart failure deaths in Australia is comparable to the spike in winter deaths seen in European countries.
The highest winter impact in Australia is in Sydney and lowest in Hobart.
"Heart failure is a growing problem in Australia - but increasingly we have the tools to manage the condition," Professor Sindone said.
"We just need Australians to speak up about their symptoms before it is too late,"
How to help protect your heart this winter
The following symptoms can be caused by various conditions, or may be a normal part of ageing, but may indicate the presence of heart failure or the condition worsening.
Watch out for:
- Shortness of breath when you exert yourself or when you lie down
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in your legs, ankles, feet or abdomen
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm
- Increased need to urinate at night
- Very rapid weight gain from fluid retention
- Lack of appetite and nausea
- Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
- Sudden, severe shortness of breath and coughing up pink, foamy mucus
- Chest pain if your heart failure has been caused by a heart attack.
About heart failure
- Heart failure affects half a million Australians, with more than 67,000 Australians being diagnosed each year.
- By 2025, it is predicted that more than 650,000 Australians will suffer from the condition, an increase of almost 30 per cent, compared to 2017.
- Each year, the condition is responsible for 158,000 hospital admissions and claims more than 60,000 Australian lives - about 9000 deaths are among those who were diagnosed within a year. About a third of these hospital admissions are believed to be preventable.
- Further information about heart failure is available at: www.heartfailure.com.au
