Dr Milan Gluhović and Prof. Belma Pojskić appeared on BHT1 to discuss contemporary heart failure treatment, the importance of international education, and the opening of a dedicated Heart Failure Clinic at Dr Mačkić Medical Practice.
During the programme, Dr Gluhović was introduced as the first cardiologist in Bosnia and Herzegovina to hold a European certificate in heart failure management, following completion of the two-year PCHF London postgraduate programme. A central message of the discussion was that high-quality care requires timely diagnosis, careful adjustment of treatment, and continuous follow-up.
The appearance also provided an opportunity to announce the World Congress on Heart Failure, which will bring together national and international experts at Hotel Holiday in Sarajevo from 23 to 25 October 2026.
Understanding Heart Failure and Recognising Its Symptoms
Heart failure is a condition in which abnormalities in the structure or function of the heart impair its ability to fill properly or maintain adequate blood circulation. It may develop as a consequence of coronary artery disease and heart attacks, longstanding high blood pressure, heart valve disease, or diseases of the heart muscle.
The most common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance. Swollen legs and difficulty breathing when lying flat may also occur. These symptoms should not automatically be attributed to ageing or poor physical fitness. Identifying their cause requires a medical history, clinical examination, and appropriate investigations, with echocardiography and measurement of natriuretic peptides, such as NT-proBNP, playing important roles.
Heart failure can also occur when the ejection fraction is preserved. In these patients, the heart may have difficulty relaxing and filling, meaning that a normal ejection fraction alone does not exclude the condition.
PCHF London and Advanced Training in Heart Failure
The Postgraduate Course in Heart Failure Management—PCHF London is a structured international programme providing advanced education in the care of patients with heart failure.
The programme spans two years and comprises six modules, 160 hours of teaching, and 140 hours of independent study. Teaching includes interactive lectures, workshops, case discussions, and clinical visits. Successful completion of the programme and the required assessments leads to a Certificate in Heart Failure Management.
Prof. Thomas F. Lüscher is among the programme directors, alongside internationally recognised experts including Professors Marco Metra and Milton Packer. The curriculum connects the diagnosis of different forms of heart failure with drug treatment, arrhythmia management, cardiac devices, and the care of patients with acute and advanced heart failure.
For Dr Gluhović, completing this programme provides a further foundation for applying contemporary knowledge in daily clinical practice and developing structured outpatient follow-up for patients in Sarajevo.
A Dedicated Heart Failure Clinic at Dr Mačkić Medical Practice
During the broadcast, Dr Gluhović presented the concept of a dedicated Heart Failure Clinic at Dr Mačkić Medical Practice, designed to provide patients with a clear treatment plan and continuity of care.
The planned approach includes assessment of symptoms and cardiac function, review of existing medication, monitoring of laboratory markers, and gradual adjustment of treatment according to each patient’s needs and tolerability. Particular attention will be given to patients recently discharged from hospital following worsening heart failure.
Patient and family education will be an essential part of care. This includes understanding prescribed medication, monitoring body weight, blood pressure, and heart rate, and recognising changes that require medical advice. Where appropriate, follow-up will also include scheduled telephone contact between appointments.
This concept reflects the model of specialist heart failure clinics, where doctors and nurses work together to provide individualised support, involving other specialties when needed.
The clinic aims to achieve better symptom control, improved quality of life, and fewer repeat hospital admissions. Central to this approach is a patient who understands their condition, participates in treatment, and knows whom to contact for support.
Bringing International Expertise to Local Patient Care
During the programme, Prof. Pojskić also discussed international cooperation, advanced heart failure treatment, heart transplantation, and the importance of organ donation.
The shared message was that improving care requires a combination of professional education, contemporary diagnostics, and accessible, continuous patient support. Through the opening of its Heart Failure Clinic, Dr Mačkić Medical Practice aims to contribute to this approach.
We thank BHRT for providing a platform for this important discussion and for its continued support of the Association of Cardiologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina.