Community Health Event Identifies Hidden Heart Failure Cases

A community health event in Wrexham on September 11, 2023, successfully identified individuals living with undiagnosed heart failure, engaging hundreds of local residents. Hosted at The Turf on Mold Road, the pop-up event provided attendees with immediate heart health assessments, aiming to raise awareness of this often hidden condition.

Organised by the Pumping Marvellous Foundation, NHS Wales, Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, and Medtronic, the event employed the ‘BEAT HF’ methodology—standing for Breathless, Exhausted, Ankle swelling, and Time for a test. This approach helped clinicians identify symptoms of heart failure and engage those at risk in discussions about their health.

Participants had opportunities to have their blood pressure monitored and heart rhythm checked by NHS professionals. For those deemed at risk, a simple finger-prick blood test was available, providing results in minutes. Statistics indicate that over 42,000 people in Wales are diagnosed with heart failure, but many more remain unaware of their condition. Left untreated, heart failure can significantly diminish quality of life and is a primary cause of hospital admissions for individuals aged over 65.

The event’s goal was to catch these cases early, enabling individuals to access vital treatment and support before their conditions deteriorate. Local resident Yvonne, who attended with her friend Glenn, expressed her satisfaction with the experience. “A friend told us about the Healthy Heart event, and we decided it would be a good idea to come and have a check,” she said. “The process was brilliant; we had our blood pressure checked and even had an ECG done using a phone, which was amazing. To find out everything was normal gives you great peace of mind.”

Across the UK, over one million people live with heart failure, with an estimated 400,000 more undiagnosed. Organisers are advocating for this community-based testing model to be integrated into NHS services nationwide, highlighting the pressing need to address this hidden health crisis.

Nick Hartshorne-Evans, CEO of the Pumping Marvellous Foundation, stated, “Today in Wrexham, we’ve shown what’s possible when we stop waiting for sick people to find their way to a hospital. We’ve taken healthcare to the people. Heart failure is a cruel and unforgiving condition if you catch it late, but a manageable one if you find it early. The turnout today proves that communities want to be empowered with knowledge about their own health. This model works, it saves lives, and it saves the NHS money.”

David Roberts, Cardiac Rhythm Management Operating Unit Lead at Medtronic UK & Ireland, emphasized the importance of early detection. “Medtronic has been delighted to support these events with Pumping Marvellous for many years, funded through our educational grant program. Heart disease is best treated when caught early, and we are delighted to see so many people attend these events which empower patients to get the knowledge they need and to seek treatment early.”

Joe Whelan, Portfolio Lead for Near Patient Care at Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, added, “We’re proud to support this initiative, alongside our partners, to bring the power of diagnostics directly to the community. This is a vital way to help people detect heart disease earlier and access the care they need faster.”

The success of the Wrexham event highlights the community’s desire for accessible healthcare solutions. Organisers and attendees alike hope for the expansion of such initiatives to improve health outcomes across the UK.