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Published on: January 21, 2018
Long-term survival after heart failure: a contemporary population-based perspective
Robert J Goldberg1, Julia Ciampa, Darleen Lessard
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA. Robert_Goldberg@Brown.edu
Archives of Internal Medicine
|March 14, 2007
Summary
Patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure (HF) face a poor long-term prognosis, with high mortality rates within five years. This study highlights the urgent need for improved management strategies to enhance survival for these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) is a significant public health concern in the US, causing high morbidity, reduced quality of life, and mortality.
- Limited data exist on the contemporary long-term prognosis for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated HF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the contemporary long-term prognosis of patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure.
- To identify risk factors associated with mortality in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A community-based cohort study involving 2445 patients hospitalized with acute HF in Worcester, MA, during 2000.
- Follow-up of discharged survivors was conducted through 2005.
Main Results:
- The average age of patients was 76 years; 43.4% were male, and 75% had a prior HF diagnosis.
- Mortality rates were high: 37.3% died within the first year and 78.5% within five years post-discharge.
- Increased risk for 1-year mortality was observed in older patients (≥85 years), those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a history of HF, and elevated serum urea nitrogen levels.
Conclusions:
- Patients surviving hospitalization for decompensated HF have a poor long-term prognosis.
- Despite therapeutic advancements, long-term survival remains guarded.
- Further efforts are crucial to improve the long-term outcomes for patients with this syndrome.
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