Medical experts have raised concerns about the growing cases of heart failure, a condition that impairs the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.
Despite its prevalence, many patients and caregivers remain unaware of its symptoms and treatment options.
Characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention, heart failure significantly impacts patients’ quality of life and can become life-threatening if left untreated.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, an estimated 15 million people in Africa will be living with the condition, highlighting the urgent need for improved education and treatment access.
Heart disease incidences and associated deaths are on the rise as a result of unhealthy lifestyles, mostly characterised by poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and smoking.
Experts argue that the increasing prevalence poses a significant risk to Kenya's public health and demands quick action from policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general population.
Speaking to the Star, Cardiologist, Dr. Vijaysihn Patil, of Nairobi West Hospital says that from February 10-15, 2025, Heart Failure Awareness Week seeks to shed light on the condition, bringing communities together to promote education, support, and innovation in treatment.
“With more and more people living with this condition, clinician education is vital to ensuring the best outcomes for our patients," said Patil.
“The increasing number of heart failure diagnoses underscores the need for an entire cardiology care team to stay on the cutting edge of management strategies.”
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the hospital operates a specialized heart failure awareness and cardiac consultation clinic.
This facility provides patients with the latest educational resources and insights into modern clinical care, offering much-needed support for those managing heart disease.
The doctor says that a major step in addressing heart failure is enhancing clinical education and expanding treatment options.
“Traditionally, patients with aortic valve issues would undergo open-heart surgery to replace the damaged valve with an artificial one. However, this type of surgery carries significant risks, especially for older patients or those with other underlying health problems.” Patil Notes
However, changes in surgery technology are proving to be a game changer, offering safer and less invasive options for patients.
“One of the hospital's most significant recent advancements is the introduction of a new, non-surgical heart procedure, like Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT) that helps the heart beat in a more coordinated way and an implantable defibrillator (AICD), a device that helps prevent sudden heart failure," he said.
According to recent statistics from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for up to a quarter of all mortality cases.
CVDs involve structural heart diseases such as rheumatic heart disease, vascular diseases such as heart attacks, and hypertension, and their consequences too.
Estimates show that 25 per cent of hospital admissions and 13 per cent of deaths are due to cardiovascular disease, an alarming increase in the past decade.
This is not confined just to urban centres but is also increasing in frequency in rural communities where access to healthcare services may be limited.