Brazil’s Cardiologists Warn of Heart‑Failure Risks Ahead of New Guidelines

The Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC) marked July 9 as the National Day of Alert against Heart Failure, emphasizing that the condition affects about 1.7 million Brazilians. Early signs such as breathlessness on climbing stairs, fatigue and fluid retention often mimic normal aging or lack of fitness, leading to delayed diagnosis. Cardiologist Marcus Simões, SBC member and coordinator of the national heart‑failure guideline, advises anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek medical evaluation promptly.

Heart failure commonly develops from other cardiac diseases, including post‑myocardial‑infarction damage, valve disorders, diabetes, hypertension and regional illnesses such as Chagas disease. The disease carries a 30‑50 % five‑year mortality risk and frequent hospitalisations. Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment plus simple exams such as chest X‑ray, echocardiogram and blood biomarkers. Treatment is available through Brazil’s public health system, but non‑adherence raises the risk of acute decompensation. The SBC stresses the importance of physical rehabilitation and medication compliance.

A new Brazilian guideline on heart‑failure management, consolidating the latest scientific evidence, will be released in October and presented at the 81st Brazilian Cardiology Congress in Rio de Janeiro, aiming to improve early detection and patient outcomes nationwide.