Wrexham Community Event Identifies Hidden Heart Failure Cases

On September 11, 2023, hundreds of residents in Wrexham participated in a significant health initiative aimed at uncovering undiagnosed heart failure cases. The event, held at The Turf on Mold Road, provided immediate heart health assessments to community members, enabling early detection of this serious condition.

Organised by The Pumping Marvellous Foundation, NHS Wales, Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, and Medtronic, the drop-in event utilized the evidence-based ‘BEAT HF’ methodology, which stands for Breathless, Exhausted, Ankle swelling, and Time for a test. This approach raised awareness of the common symptoms associated with heart failure, helping identify individuals at risk.

Health Assessments and Community Engagement

Attendees had the opportunity to discuss their symptoms with healthcare professionals, who conducted blood pressure and heart rhythm checks. For many, a simple finger-prick blood test was offered, enabling quick assessment for heart failure. This initiative is particularly crucial as it is estimated that over 42,000 people in Wales live with diagnosed heart failure, with many more likely unaware of their condition.

The impact of untreated heart failure is profound, often leading to a significant decline in quality of life and serving as the leading cause of hospital admissions for individuals over 65. The Wrexham event aimed to locate these individuals early, allowing them access to life-altering treatment and support before their conditions worsen.

Among those who attended was Yvonne, a local resident, who shared her 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. 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. It’s so important to have events like this that can help diagnose conditions like heart failure earlier, and we would definitely come along to another one.”

Call for National Integration of Testing Model

Heart failure affects over one million people across the UK, with an estimated 400,000 more living with undiagnosed cases. Following the success of the Wrexham event, organisers are advocating for the integration of community-based testing models into NHS services nationwide to address this hidden health crisis.

Nick Hartshorne-Evans, CEO of The Pumping Marvellous Foundation, remarked, “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, expressed his support for these health initiatives: “Medtronic has been delighted to support these events with Pumping Marvellous for many years, funded through our educational grant program. It is at the heart of how we operate at Medtronic, partnering with patients, healthcare professionals, and industry to power innovation at every level.”

Finally, Joe Whelan, Portfolio Lead for Near Patient Care at Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland, emphasised the importance of this collaborative effort: “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.”

As the demand for proactive health measures grows, the Wrexham event stands as a model for future community health initiatives, underscoring the need for early detection and treatment of heart failure across the UK.