Heart Failure Awareness Week 2026
Heart Failure Awareness Week 2026
April 27th - May 3rd, 2026
The theme of this year’s European Heart Failure Awareness Week is ‘Awareness Today, Protection Tomorrow’, highlighting the importance of recognising heart failure symptoms early, getting an accurate diagnosis, and receiving optimal treatment.
Heart failure will affect 1 in 5 adults in our lifetime
It is estimated that heart failure affects over 137,000 people in Ireland, and with 10,000 new cases every year, it is a common yet overlooked, and often misunderstood, condition.
Heart Health Organisations Unite
Croí and the Irish Heart Foundation are coming together to support the Irish Association of Heart Failure Nurses (IAHFN) with a joint mission to increase understanding of heart failure, promote early diagnosis, and highlight that people can live well with the condition when it is properly managed.
Heart Failure Awareness Nationwide Roadshow
As part of this year’s campaign, the three organisations are partnering to roll out a nationwide roadshow of free pop-up heart health events staffed by experts from Croí, the Irish Heart Foundation and the Irish Association of Heart Failure Nurses, bringing vital information, free health checks, and expert advice directly into communities across Ireland.
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working, it means the heart is not pumping blood as effectively as it should. Neither does it mean the end of life – with early diagnosis, treatment, and support, people can live well.
Know the Symptoms of Heart Failure
There are three main symptoms of heart failure:
1. Shortness of breath:
You may feel breathless during an activity that involves some physical exertion, such as going up a hill or a flight of stairs, or perhaps doing housework or lifting something. You may find that you cannot walk as fast or as long as you did before. It is important to recognise this as early as possible and get checked by your doctor. If left untreated, it can get worse – for example, you may get breathless with very little activity or even while lying down.
2. Weight gain or swelling:
You may gain weight in your ankles, legs or abdomen. This is caused by excess fluid which your heart is unable to process.
3. Fatigue:
You may feel like you have no energy, even when you have not engaged in any physical activity. This kind of fatigue is different from the tiredness you feel at the end of the day.
These are the three main symptoms to look out for. You may have other symptoms which depend on the particular cause of your heart failure and how advanced your condition is.
If you are concerned that you have any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor for advice.
What to do if you think you have heart failure
- Contact your GP if you notice new or worsening symptoms.
- Do not delay seeking medical guidance – early diagnosis improves outcomes.
- If you’re feeling unsure, both Croí and the Irish Heart Foundation offer free nurse-led support lines for questions, reassurance and next steps.
Supports Available to You
Heart failure can be overwhelming, but support is available, and many people live full, active lives with proper guidance and self management.
Both Croí and the Irish Heart Foundation provide high quality supports to help people living with heart failure, their families, and caregivers.
Croí Connects
Free telephone helpline staffed by Cardiovascular Nurse Specialists Available weekdays from 9 am – 5:30 pm
- Phone: 091 332999
- Email: healthteam@croi.ie
Weekly online health chats also available:
In addition to the telephone helpline, Croí Connects also brings people together through weekly online health chats every Tuesday from 1 – 2 pm. These informal sessions create a welcoming space for people to learn more about topics related to heart health and stroke, ask questions, and connect with others who may be on a similar journey.
Irish Heart Foundation Nurse Support Helpline & Additional Services
- Free telephone support line to speak confidentially with expert Cardiac Nurses
- Available 9 am to 5 pm every Monday and from 9 am to 1 pm, Tuesday to Friday
- Call: 01 668 5001
- Email: support@irishheart.ie
Additional supports for long-term self‑management include:
- Heart Connect – Phone‑based emotional and educational support for heart failure patients
- Peer-led monthly meet‑ups (in person and online)
- Support and information evenings nationwide
- Access to free counselling
Heart Failure Awareness Week 2026 is supported by:
