From 20 to 26 April 2026, the third edition of the National Heart Failure Week took place. During this nationwide week, heart failure took center stage, with the 2026 theme being Recognition. This includes recognizing early signs and symptoms, initiating the right treatment in a timely manner—including attention to the palliative phase—and acknowledging the healthcare partners who play a crucial role in this process.

The week was officially launched with a powerful and symbolic moment during a kick-off event at Nieuwspoort in The Hague. Healthcare professionals, policymakers, patients and representatives from the field came together to emphasise a single shared message: heart failure deserves a higher priority on the social and political agenda.

The event marked the start of a week packed with activities across the country (over 60), organized by local organizations. The heart symbolises the recognition and awareness of heart failure; it traveled around the Netherlands and was passed on by healthcare professionals, patients, their loved ones and organisations. This serves as a further reminder of how much attention is already being paid to recognising heart failure in the Netherlands, but also of how much more is still needed. Thank you to all those involved in making this week a succes!

The National Heart Failure Week is organized by the Deltaplan Hartfalen, an initiative by the Dutch Heart Foundation and Netherlands Heart Institute, supported by the DCVA.