Insights into the European heart failure epidemiology

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) poses a significant global health burden.
• Understanding contemporary HF epidemiology is crucial for effective public health strategies.
• The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) initiated the European HF Survey to assess HF epidemiology and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the contemporary epidemiology of heart failure (HF) across European countries.
• To evaluate the availability and reimbursement of guideline-directed medications and devices for HF.
• To understand the structure of professional and patient organizations involved in HF care.

Main Methods:

• Data collected from national health statistics in 2019 across 43 ESC member countries.
• Epidemiology data standardized according to the European Standard Population.
• Analysis of HF incidence, prevalence, mortality, hospitalization rates, and length of stay.

Main Results:

• Median annual HF incidence: 3.9 per 1000 person-years.
• Median HF prevalence: 1937 per 100,000 population.
• Median in-hospital mortality: 8.0%; 1-year all-cause mortality: 14.5%.

Conclusions:

• The European HF Survey offers current insights into HF epidemiology and outcomes.
• Data underscore the need for improved strategies in HF prevention, diagnosis, and management.
• Significant heterogeneity in HF statistics necessitates unified data collection across Europe.