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How common is heart failure? Evidence from PACT (prescribing analysis and cost) data in Nottingham
K W Clarke1, D Gray, J R Hampton
1University Hospital, Nottingham.
Insights
Heart failure prevalence in Nottinghamshire was estimated using loop diuretic prescriptions. The study found that 56% of patients prescribed these drugs met heart failure criteria, with prevalence increasing significantly in older age groups.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) diagnosis and prevalence studies are crucial for public health planning.
- Loop diuretics are commonly prescribed medications for managing HF symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of heart failure in Nottinghamshire.
- To analyze the relationship between loop diuretic prescriptions and diagnosed heart failure.
Main Methods:
- An observational study utilizing Prescribing Analysis and Cost (PACT) data for frusemide.
- Analysis of general practitioner (GP) records for 903 patients prescribed frusemide.
Main Results:
- Over 1 million mg of frusemide were prescribed daily in Nottinghamshire.
- Between 13,107 and 26,214 patients were prescribed frusemide.
- 56% of patients on loop diuretics met heart failure diagnostic criteria.
Conclusions:
- Loop diuretic prescribing data can estimate heart failure prevalence.
- Prevalence of heart failure increases with age, reaching 5.45% in those over 90.
- The study highlights the significant burden of heart failure in the Nottinghamshire population.
Background:
The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of heart failure in Nottinghamshire by an analysis of prescriptions for loop diuretics.
Methods:
An observational study was carried out in the Nottingham Health District, on the basis of Prescribing Analysis and Cost (PACT) data relating to nearly 400,000 kg of frusemide prescribed in the year 1991-1992 and general practitioner (GP) records on two groups of patients (total 903) prescribed frusemide.
Results:
The total amount of frusemide prescribed on a daily basis in Nottinghamshire in 1,048,566 mg. The mean daily dose of frusemide per patient is 60 mg and the median dose 40 mg. There are between 13,107 and 26,214 patients taking frusemide in Nottinghamshire. Fifty-six per cent of patients prescribed loop diuretics by their GP fulfil diagnostic criteria for heart failure.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of heart failure in Nottinghamshire estimated from loop diuretic prescribing increases from 0.1 per cent in the age-group 30-39 years to 5.45 percent in patients aged over 90 years.