According to the PORTHOS¹ study, it is estimated that 1 in 6 adults aged 50 or over in mainland Portugal lives with HF, with 90% unaware that they have this condition.
¹ Source: PORTHOS study – accessed on 24/09/2024
Areas of Practice
The Heart Failure Consultation – Internal Medicine focuses on:
- Early diagnosis and classification of heart failure;
- Prescription of appropriate therapies for each clinical situation;
- Prevention of decompensation, reducing hospitalizations and worsening of the disease;
- Integrated management of comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease;
- Supporting health literacy by providing information and strategies for better understanding and management of the disease;
- Promoting quality of life and increasing survival rates for people with HF.
Who are the consultations for?
The consultations are for adults diagnosed with or suspected of having heart failure, as well as people with risk factors or associated chronic diseases that may predispose them to this condition.
They are especially recommended for:
- People with symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent fatigue, swelling in the legs, or palpitations;
- Patients with a history of heart disease or hospitalizations for heart failure;
- Patients who need specialized and continuous monitoring to manage heart failure and its comorbidities.
How do they work?
During the consultation, the internal medicine specialist:
- Performs a detailed clinical assessment, including medical history, physical examination, and, when necessary, additional tests;
- Confirms the diagnosis and classifies the heart failure;
- Defines a personalized treatment plan, adjusting medication and preventive measures;
- Regularly monitors the evolution of the clinical condition to avoid decompensation;
- Supports the patient in understanding the disease and adopting healthy lifestyles that improve the prognosis.
The goal of the Heart Failure Consultation at Clínica Terrace by Dra. Mara Marques is to provide specialized, integrated, and humanized care, helping each patient live better and with a higher quality of life.
How can I book an appointment?
You can book directly:
- Via our telephone
- Through our online contact form
- or in person at the reception of the Clínica Terrace
