Heart Failure Awareness Day

A little-known disease with major implications Heart failure affects 1.5 million patients in France. It is a severe chronic condition that leads to numerous—often lengthy—hospital stays, yet it remains poorly understood by the general public. However, in over 40% of cases, hospitalized patients had already been experiencing warning signs for more than a week. Raising awareness about these warning signs enables earlier care, helps avoid hospitalizations, and improves patients' quality of life. In the Occitanie region, the mobilization of healthcare professionals sets an example: the creation of specialized care centers, the development of new roles such as advanced practice nurses, and the implementation of telemedicine and therapeutic education programs. As part of National Heart Failure Week (September 22–26, 2026), Montauban is hosting an awareness-raising day for the general public. On Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Esplanade des Fontaines, the city is rallying to inform and raise public awareness about heart failure—a chronic disease that remains far too little known. The day's program Ten booths dedicated to "thinking about your heart," staffed by healthcare professionals involved in treating the condition: cardiologists, general practitioners, nurses, dietitians, sports instructors, physiotherapists, and pharmacists. Representatives from the health insurance system will also be present. At the various booths, the public will be able to: learn about the signs and causes of heart failure have their blood pressure and weight checked get a finger-prick blood glucose test discuss nutrition and adapted physical activity get information on vaccinations QR codes will provide access to a series of podcasts for the general public covering various aspects of the condition—available to listen to on-site or later, at one's own pace.