Press release
The H.U.B is proposing a special day for heart failure screening complete with an innovative test
Brussels, 14/05/2025 – The Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B) is organising a special heart failure screening day this Wednesday between 9 am and 4 pm in the main entrance hall of the Erasmus Hospital. This major initiative gives everybody the unique opportunity to benefit from a free test to measure their NT-pro BNP levels. This is a very specific blood biomarker that makes it possible to detect heart failure before the appearance of serious symptoms.
Seize this unique screening opportunity on 14 may
On the occasion of Heart Failure Awareness Day, teams from the H.U.B.’s Pulmonary Hypertension and Heart Failure Clinic want to provide screening for all. The programme includes an information stand with information on the disease, on its impact on the quality of life of patients and on the medical treatment provided by the H.U.B, both first line and at home. Visitors will also have the opportunity to benefit from comprehensive screening after first completing a form and taking a blood test for early detection of heart failure. This test is not at present reimbursed by the INAMI (National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance) and will be available exclusively on this day at the H.U.B.
An early diagnosis significantly improves effective care
According to the Belgian Heart League, heart failure affects almost 240,000 people in Belgium with almost 15,000 new cases detected every year. Early detection of this disease is vital to ensure the right treatment for patients as heart failure is the principal cause of hospitalisation for people aged over 65.
“ Clinical studies show that early detection of heart failure with the NT-pro BNP test makes it possible to identify patients who would otherwise not be diagnosed until the disease reaches an advanced stage. This early diagnosis is vital when you consider that the mortality rate 5 years after a heart failure diagnosis is as high as 50%,” explains Professor Jean-Luc Vachiery, Director of the H.UB’s Pulmonary Hypertension and Heart Failure Clinic.
Patients with a positive NT-pro BNP test result will be able to benefit immediately, free of charge and without appointment, from further examinations carried out by specialists, including a heart ultrasound and electrocardiogram (ECG). The combination of these checks will make it possible to confirm or negate the diagnosis and to rapidly instigate the appropriate treatment if necessary. Early detection followed by appropriate treatment brings a considerable improvement in the quality of life of patients and a significant reduction in hospitalisations.
A call for test access for all patients
Through this screening day, the H.U.B’s Pulmonary Hypertension and Heart Failure Clinic also wants to make the health authorities more aware of the vital importance of reimbursing the NT-pro BNP test.
“The epidemiological and economic data are clear: making this test available to all would not only make it possible to save lives due to the earlier diagnosis but also permit substantial savings for the health system by reducing considerably the number of hospitalisations related to heart failure”, adds Professor Vachiery.
While awaiting a favourable decision on reimbursement for this test and in keeping with its public health mission, the Brussels University Hospital is proposing this unique opportunity for the population to benefit free of charge from this examination. The health professionals at the H.U.B therefore warmly invite members of the public to benefit from this unique opportunity on 14 May.
Press: The H.U.B cordially invites you to cover this day dedicated to public health. Medical teams, patients and experts will be available for interviews, demonstrations and first-hand accounts of their experiences. Visual opportunities: carrying out of heart ultrasounds, electrocardiograms, dialogue with professionals, information stands
Contact
Louis Dijon
Marine Lhomel
ABOUT THE H.U.B
The Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B) is the academic hospital of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), which unites the Jules Bordet institute, the Erasme Hospital and the Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital (HUDERF) since 2021.
As an international reference center, located in the heart of the Brussels Region, the H.U.B offers high quality general, oncological and pediatric care.
This excellent care, accessible to all, is enriched and sustained by a dual approach of scientific research and teaching for the caregivers of tomorrow.
In 2022, the H.U.B. is composed of more than 6,000 employees who share the following values: Interest of the patient, Respect, Commitment, Solidarity, Diversity and Inclusion, and the principle of Free enquiry.
