Islanders are being offered free heart rate and blood pressure checks to mark Heart Failure Awareness Week, as health professionals aim to raise awareness of a condition affecting more than 2,000 people in Jersey.
Last year’s series of pop-up events attracted 179 islanders.
This year, the events will take place on Wednesday 29 April from 10am to 2pm at the General Hospital Outpatients’ Department, and on Friday 1 May from 10am to 2pm at the Central Market.
Organised by the cardiology team, the initiative forms part of the awareness week running from 27 April to 3 May 2026.
During the sessions, visitors will be able to receive free heart rate and blood pressure checks while also speaking to specialists about heart health, risk factors and preventative care.
Heart failure, despite its name, does not mean the heart suddenly stops working, but rather that it is not functioning as effectively as it should.
Common warning signs include struggling to catch one’s breath, persistent fatigue and swelling in the legs caused by fluid retention.
Health professionals stress that recognising these symptoms early can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
Several lifestyle and medical factors can increase the risk of developing heart failure, including physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and poorly managed conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
However, the risk can be significantly reduced through maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake and regularly monitoring key health indicators such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Organisers say early detection is key, as identifying heart failure in its initial stages can help individuals manage the condition more effectively, often reducing the need for extensive medication and enabling them to live longer, healthier lives.