To improve quality of life of people who have suffered heart failures, a support group was launched on May 24 in New Delhi which would serve as a repository of information on its management and treatment options available in India.

The group -- 'Patients United for Heart Failure Foundation' -- has been conceived by two leading cardiologists, Dr Sundeep Mishra of the AIIMS here and Dr Vishal Rastogi of Fortis Escort Hospital Institute. "It aims to improve quality of life of heart failure patients by serving as a repository of information on heart failure management and treatment options available in India. The group also seeks to support research in the area of heart failure to ensure better disease management and treatment protocols are practised," a statement released by the group said.

As per a recent INTER-CHF study, heart failure is associated with high mortality rates in India, with close to 23 per cent of patients dying within a year of diagnosis. The study also highlighted that heart failure patients in India are approximately 10 years younger than patients in the US and Europe. The mean age at the time of death was 59 years in India.

"Early diagnosis is the key to manage heart failure. Therefore, it becomes important for patients and care-givers to be watchful of symptoms and for doctors and hospitals to undertake early interventions," said Dr Mishra, Advisor - Patients United for Heart Failure Foundation and professor of cardiology at AIIMS.