In Hong Kong, the number of individuals aged 65 years or above is expected to increase to 2.6 million by 2040. Heart failure (HF) is a common chronic disorder in the elderly. Several European studies have shown that 1 in 6 elderly presenting to a general practice with shortness of breath can be subsequently confirmed to have HF. Local hospital reported that >90% of patients admitted for HF are aged 60 years or above. However, there is currently a lack of a community-based outreach cardiac screening programme to provide detection of pre-clinical or overt HF in older adults that are underprivileged.

As over 90% of HF patients are older adults, with those of lower socioeconomic status being most vulnerable and harbouring the largest burden of cardiovascular disease. The Express Heart Check provides a public seminar on HF and heart check-ups for the underprivileged older adults who are attendees of DECCs and NECs, we aim to directly address limitations to preventive cardiology care focusing on HF prevention and diagnosis. Preventive cardiology including early detection of HF and forestalling potential complications is crucial to improving older adults’ quality of life, maintenance of healthy ageing, and bringing about cost savings to society.

It is expected that some undiagnosed cases of HF and/or frailty will be uncovered through the Express Heart Check project. Early detection of HF and other medical co-morbidities may lead to prompt treatment and/or trajectory-changing interventions. Secondly, the Public Seminar delivered in DECCs and NECs across 18 should help to raise awareness of HF and frailty in the older adults of the communities, and encourage those with symptoms and signs to seek medical attention. Therefore, the Express Heart Check could potentially reduce the occurrence of devastating and late complications of advanced HF.

Public Seminar: Older adults aged ≥60 years attending DECCs or NECs in 18 districts (unlimited participant).- Heart check-ups: 100–200 older adults aged ≥60 years attending DECCs or NECs in 18 districts (~3 per DECC or NEC).

2021

Active Ageing, Healthcare, Well-being