Milmedika

Following the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (www.escardio.org), published on August 27, 2021, patients with heart failure in Montenegro have access to state-of-the-art therapies covered by the National Health Insurance Fund. These include:

• ARNI: sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto – Novartis)
• SGLT2 inhibitors: dapagliflozin (Forxiga – AstraZeneca) and empagliflozin (Jardiance – Boehringer Ingelheim)

These medications are available by prescription based on a cardiologist’s report.

Proven benefits of therapy

• Relieves symptoms and improves quality of life
• Extends life expectancy for patients with severe heart failure
• Reduces the number of hospital days

Symptoms of heart failure

Heart failure can cause various symptoms, often mistaken for signs of aging or other conditions:

• Shortness of breath during physical activity or when lying flat
• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling of the feet and legs
• Coughing, dizziness, and sleep disturbances
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Causes of heart failure

The most common causes of heart failure include:

• Coronary artery disease and heart valve disorders
• Myocarditis and arrhythmias
• High blood pressure
• Effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy
• Metabolic and endocrine disorders
• Excessive alcohol, cocaine, or steroid use

Statistics and treatment challenges

Globally, an estimated 60 million people live with heart failure, but early diagnosis occurs in only 3% of cases. The condition is often detected too late, despite the fact that timely intervention can significantly improve life expectancy.

Heart failure is one of the leading causes of hospitalization among individuals over 65 and requires lifelong management. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, posing a serious public health challenge. Among them, heart failure has one of the poorest prognoses.

When to seek medical help

If you experience any of these symptoms or know someone undergoing treatment for heart failure, schedule an appointment with a cardiologist. Early and proper therapy can significantly enhance both the quality and length of life.