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Interested parties can find out what causes heart failure and what treatment options are available in several short lectures on November 20 and 21 / Lectures as part of the Heart Weeks 2024

Around four million people in Germany are affected - often unknowingly - by heart failure. Patients, relatives and interested parties can find out how this can be detected in public lectures by the Department of Cardiology and Angiology at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. The events will take place on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in the large lecture hall of the Medical Clinic, Hugstetter Straße 55 Freiburg, and on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in the auditorium of the Bad Krozingen campus, Südring 15, from 4 pm to 5.30 pm . Participation is free of charge, registration is not required.

"Heart failure is an insidious disease that often manifests itself with non-specific symptoms such as fatigue. That's why we want to make people aware of early warning signs and present treatment options," says Prof. Dr. Dirk Westermann, Medical Director of the Department of Cardiology and Angiology at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. "If left untreated, heart failure progresses, reduces quality of life and can even be fatal," Westermann continues.

In the lectures, experts from the Medical Center - University of Freiburg will provide information on the causes and treatment options for heart failure. They will also show which surgical options can be used. Afterwards, the audience will be able to talk to the speakers.

Education as the key to prevention

The event is taking place as part of this year's Heart Weeks organized by the German Heart Foundation, which will also have an information stand on site. The aim of the campaign is to identify people at risk of heart failure at an early stage and to raise awareness among those affected through education.

Heart failure, also known as cardiac insufficiency, usually occurs as a result of other illnesses. In around two thirds of cases, coronary heart disease is the underlying cause. Deposits constrict the coronary arteries to such an extent that the heart muscle is no longer sufficiently supplied with oxygen-rich blood. This weakens the heart's pumping capacity, leading to permanent cardiac insufficiency.