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Heart failure in South America
1Heart Institute, São Paulo University Medical School, Brazil. dcledimar@incor.usp.br
Current Cardiology Reviews
|April 20, 2013
Summary
Heart failure is a leading cause of hospitalization in South America, with Chagas disease and rheumatic fever being significant contributors. Strategies to manage heart failure must address these prevalent conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) poses a significant health burden in South America, necessitating ongoing epidemiological assessment.
- Understanding temporal trends in HF mortality is crucial for resource allocation and risk reduction strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of heart failure in South America.
- To identify key etiologies and mortality trends of heart failure in the region.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiological data on heart failure in South America.
- Analysis of hospitalization and mortality trends associated with various heart failure etiologies.
Main Results:
- Heart failure is the primary cause of hospitalization for approximately 50% of the South American population.
- Major etiologies include ischemic, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, valvular, hypertensive, and Chagasic heart disease.
- Chagas heart disease accounts for up to 41% of HF cases in endemic areas and is associated with high mortality. Rheumatic fever is the leading cause of valvular heart disease.
- Observed reductions in Chagas heart disease mortality and overall HF mortality in specific Brazilian states.
Conclusions:
- Heart failure and its associated etiologies contribute significantly to overall mortality in South America.
- Public health strategies must incorporate the control of neglected Chagas disease and rheumatic fever to effectively manage heart failure.
- Addressing these specific etiologies is vital for optimizing healthcare resource allocation and reducing the future burden of heart failure.
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