Josep Ibáñez has lived with heart failure for 28 years. The resident of Artesa de Lleida and originally from Golmés suffered a heart attack almost three decades ago that marked the beginning of his medical follow-up.
At 83 years old, Ibáñez is a patient at the Heart Failure Unit in Lleida. His experience shows that a diagnosis does not necessarily mean the end of work or social activity. In fact, he was able to maintain his professional life until reaching retirement age.
Continued support allows for a normal life
The attention received from the healthcare team has been decisive in his recovery. Ibáñez positively values the human treatment and technical guidance he has received during this long period. "They have always accompanied me and advised me very well", declares the patient about the work of the professionals.
His experience serves as an example for other affected individuals. Ibáñez urges people with heart problems to avoid victimhood. He urges them to strictly follow the guidelines established by doctors to manage the illness effectively.
Family involvement also plays a key role in managing the pathology. Imma, Ibáñez's daughter, highlights the accessibility of the health service for any unforeseen event. She states that if a problem arises, they call the unit and receive adequate attention immediately.
The shock code improves the health response
Heart failure occurs when the heart does not pump blood adequately. This dysfunction prevents the correct sending of oxygen and nutrients to vital organs. This is how the Heart Failure Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology defines it.
The main causes include myocardial infarction and arterial hypertension. Valvular diseases, cardiomyopathies, and arrhythmias also have an impact. Unhealthy lifestyle habits act as risk factors that worsen the clinical picture.
The Minister of Health, Mónica García, announced on Thursday the implementation of specific protocols. These are called "shock code" and seek to guarantee a rapid response. Coordination and effectiveness are the pillars of this new state measure.
More than 770,000 people in Spain present this pathology. The disease causes about 20,000 deaths a year throughout the national territory.