Assam studying Kerala model for fast detection of heart failure

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Assam is studying the 'Kerala Heart Failure Registry' (KHFR) model to detect cardiac distress at a very early stage to bring down cases of heart failure in future.

"There are several misconceptions about heart failure. It can be caused by heart disease as well as other ailments. One of the ways in which heart failure can be detected in a cost-effective and timely manner is through screening of the disease," an official in State Health department told The Sentinel.

The official added that the KHFR is a multi-centric, prospective, and hospital based registry in Kerala; and patients admitted with the diagnosis of acute heart failure are enrolled in the registry. All registered patients are followed-up regularly at one-month period, and thereafter at every three months. Both mortality and hospital admission data are collected during the follow-up visits, he said.

"We are currently studying the KHFR model. If it is found feasible for Assam, we will emulate it to detect causes that eventually lead to heart failure at a very early stage. A heart failure patient could be symptomatic and asymptomatic, making detection difficult. The Kerala model could help us to draw up strategies and policies to bring down cases of heart failure," said the Health official. A cardiologist at the Gauhati Medical College & Hospital said that heart failure could be incipient or of sudden onset. He also said that one of the ways for checking people for heart failure is by making them fill up a simple questionnaire.

"The symptoms of a heart attack and heart failure can overlap. In such a situation, the questionnaire of patients could play a crucial role as it contains important information about heart failure. Patients can check for symptoms like fatigue and breathlessness that often lead to heart failure," said the cardiologist.

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