The HSE is making the B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) test more widely available for patients considered at high risk of heart failure, including those with diabetes.

This follows the results of the recent STOP-Heart Failure research study undertaken at St Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin.

The study looked at whether patients with risk factors for heart failure could have their risk defined by the use of the NTproBNP test and found that the test reduced not just heart failure but all cardiovascular events by 40% in high-risk patients.

On foot of this and the well-established Midlands Diabetes Scheme, the STOP-HF Midlands project targeted the local diabetes population and showed that despite strong risk factor control, three in ten people with diabetes had significant problems with heart function.

Building on the success of the study from St Vincent’s, the national diabetes charity Diabetes Ireland has launched a new campaign encouraging people with diabetes to be more proactive in taking steps to prevent or delay the onset of heart failure.