Our BEAT campaign raises awareness of Heart Failure and it’s symptoms by using a simple acronym. The BEAT acronym highlights the common symptoms to look out for and what action you need to take if you have them. If you are experiencing a combination of Breathlessness, Exhaustion and Ankle Swelling, it is Time to Tell Your GP Surgery.
Being diagnosed with Heart Failure does not mean that your heart is about to stop. Heart Failure means that your heart is failing to pump as efficiently as it should to supply the body with the oxygen and nutrients that it needs. More than 1 million people in the UK are living with Heart Failure and 200,000 people are diagnosed each year.
There are a number of factors that increase your risk of developing Heart Failure. These include previously having had a heart attack, having high blood pressure or diabetes.
Common symptoms of heart failure are often confused with other conditions meaning that people can be misdiagnosed. Our report in 2020, “Heart Failure: The Hidden Cost of Late Diagnosis” highlighted some of the most common heart failure misdiagnoses.
Female patients are 96% more likely to be misdiagnosed than men.
32.5% of patients were given the wrong diagnosis by a medical professional.
43.9% of patients aged under 45 received an incorrect diagnosis.
What is the BEAT Methodology?
Dr Clare J Taylor is Professor of General Practice at the University of Birmingham and a GP in the NHS, Oxford University, Consultant Cardiologist Dr Dargoi Satchi with a specialist interest in Heart Failure and the Pumping Marvellous Foundation created a simple, memorable and relevant acronym that perfectly described one of the critical challenges patients had pre or post-diagnosis. The BEAT methodology stands for Breathlessness, Exhausted, Ankle swelling, Time to tell your GP surgery or Time for a simple blood test, depending on who we are talking to.
How is the BEAT Methodology Used?
Pre-diagnosis it is vital as it describes the key symptoms of heart failure and action of informing your GP or nurse that maybe they should test for heart failure. Post-diagnosis, the acronym also describes the key symptoms of decompensating heart failure. This is important when a patient manages their heart failure because it is essential to inform their doctor or nurse if their symptoms worsen.
What is the Goal of the BEAT Campaign?
The BEAT methodology came off the back of patient needs. Its adoption is increasing both across the medical profession and among patients. Our overall ambition is for BEAT to be recognised by all, just like FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) is for stroke. It puts a spotlight on the appropriate stakeholders to think could it be heart failure and, therefore should I test. Testing is the backbone to better outcomes for patients.
The BEAT methodology is supported by patients, heart failure specialists, primary care doctors, and nurses because it is simple and understandable. Recently, the NHS ran a national disease awareness campaign surrounding heart attacks in England. We partnered with them on this campaign, where the BEAT methodology was adopted and recognised by the NHS.
What Areas Does the Campaign Cover?
The BEAT to TREAT initiative aims to enhance heart failure diagnosis and treatment by recognising key symptoms, facilitating early detection, and expediting care. The acronym BEAT stands for Breathlessness, Exhaustion, Ankle swelling, and Time to tell your GP or Nurse. The objective is to swiftly initiate appropriate medication and other treatments, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced hospitalisations.
1. BEAT Methodology
BEAT: This acronym identifies key symptoms of heart failure, encouraging patients to seek medical attention.
Symptoms: Breathlessness, Exhaustion, and Ankle swelling are significant signs that can indicate heart failure.
Action: The acronym encourages patients to inform their doctor (GP) or nurse about these symptoms. BEAT is also a symptom checker tool for non-specialists to THINK “Could this be heart failure?”
2. Rapid Treatment Initiative
Goal: This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of diagnosing and treating heart failure using the BEAT symptom tool, POCT NT-proBNP and ECHO AI.
Early Detection: Recognising the signs of heart failure early can enable timely interventions.
Rapid Treatment: The aim is to commence suitable treatment promptly, ideally within 60 minutes, to enhance patient outcomes.
Improved Outcomes: Timely and effective treatment can result in decreased mortality, enhanced quality of life, and a reduced likelihood of hospitalisation.
3. Benefits of BEAT to TREAT
Faster Diagnosis: The initiative seeks to minimise delays in diagnosing heart failure.
Guideline Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT) Medications: Prompt initiation of appropriate medications can greatly enhance patient outcomes.
Reduced Hospitalisations: Early intervention can aid in preventing or minimising the need for hospitalisation.
Improved Quality of Life: Timely and effective treatment can result in a higher quality of life for individuals with heart failure.
4. Key Components of Heart Failure Treatment
Medications: A variety of medications can assist in managing symptoms, enhancing heart function, and alleviating fluid retention.
Cardiac Devices: Implantable devices such as ICDs (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators), CRT (Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy) can assist in controlling heart rate and rhythm, improving clinical and patient outcomes.
Heart Valve Surgery: Heart surgery might be needed to repair or replace damaged valves or to enhance blood circulation to the heart.
Cardiac Rehabilitation: Cardiac rehabilitation should be offered to all clinically appropriate patients with a diagnosis of heart failure.
Lifestyle Changes / Self-Management: Embracing a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and cessation of smoking, can aid in managing heart failure.
