Heart Failure – Everything You Need to Know

When talking about heart failure, a condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently. Also known as cardiac failure, it affects millions across Africa and demands attention from patients, doctors and policy‑makers alike.

Cardiovascular disease, the broader group of disorders that includes heart attacks, hypertension and heart failure is the umbrella under which heart failure sits. Medication therapy, the use of drugs like ACE inhibitors, beta‑blockers and diuretics plays a pivotal role in managing symptoms and slowing progression. The condition requires early diagnosis, lifestyle changes and often a coordinated care team. In practice, heart failure encompasses reduced ejection fraction, fluid overload and diminished exercise tolerance; it requires regular monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function; and it influences public health planning because of its high hospitalization rates.

Key Risk Factors and Practical Steps

Understanding the main risk factors helps cut the odds of developing heart failure. High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and obesity each increase the strain on the heart. A sedentary lifestyle adds to the problem by weakening the heart muscle. In many African cities, rapid urbanisation amplifies these risks, and health ministries are racing to roll out screening programmes. For patients, controlling blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and lean protein, and staying active for at least 150 minutes per week are proven ways to lower chances of failure. When the condition does appear, doctors often start with a combination of ACE inhibitors, beta‑blockers and a low‑sodium diet, then adjust based on how the heart responds.

The latest research from South African hospitals shows that early use of sacubitril‑valsartan can improve survival by roughly 15% compared with traditional therapy. Meanwhile, telemedicine pilots in Kenya are letting remote patients send daily weight readings to clinics, catching fluid buildup before it forces an emergency admission. These advances illustrate how technology and medication intersect to fight heart failure on the ground.

Below you’ll find a curated list of recent African news stories that touch on health policy, medical breakthroughs and community initiatives related to heart health. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or just curious about the impact of heart failure across the continent, the articles ahead provide real‑world context and up‑to‑date information.