The University Clinical Center Tuzla (UKC Tuzla) is marking Heart Failure Awareness Week as part of a European initiative led by the Association of Cardiologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Society of Cardiology.
Held under the slogan “Awareness Today, Protection Tomorrow,” the campaign is being conducted at the Clinic for Internal Medicine of UKC Tuzla, with the goal of raising public awareness about heart failure, one of the leading public health challenges of modern times.
As part of the campaign, patients were offered free blood pressure measurements and completed a screening questionnaire developed by the Association of Cardiologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the early detection of heart failure. This proactive approach enables the timely identification of individuals at increased risk, allowing for prompt referral for further diagnostic evaluation and appropriate treatment.
“Heart failure represents one of the leading public health and economic challenges of our time. For this reason, both European and national professional associations continuously implement activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting early detection of this condition. The Association of Cardiologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina is actively participating in this initiative, with awareness campaigns being conducted in several healthcare centers across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At the University Clinical Center Tuzla, patients complete a questionnaire designed for the early detection of heart failure. Based on the results, and in the presence of risk factors or symptoms, patients are provided with recommendations for further diagnostic evaluation and timely treatment, with the ultimate goal of preserving and improving their health,” emphasized Larisa Dizdarević-Hudić, specialist in internal medicine and Head of the Department of Cardiology.
According to Elnur Smajić, Acting Head of the Clinic for Internal Medicine and specialist in internal medicine, special emphasis is placed on prevention, early recognition of symptoms, and the application of modern diagnostic methods.
“At the UKC Tuzla, we have introduced a contemporary diagnostic approach through the measurement of the biomarker NT-proBNP, which enables the timely detection of heart failure. This allows patients to be promptly referred for further diagnostic evaluation and the initiation of appropriate treatment,” emphasized Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elnur Smajić.
