A recent study published in the journal Heart indicates that heart failure affects up to 2% of adults in Europe, North America, and Israel, highlighting serious health risks and associated costs. Researchers analyzed health records from 11 countries, noting that individuals with this condition face high mortality rates and complications such as coronary artery disease and chronic kidney failure. With healthcare spending in Europe and the US reaching 1-2% of their annual budgets for heart failure treatment, the findings underscore an urgent need for action.
The study revealed a prevalence of 2% based on a broad definition and 1% using a strict criterion among over 600,000 patients from 2018 to 2020. The highest prevalence was in Portugal (3%), and the UK had the lowest (1.5%). Significant findings include that 49% of heart failure patients also had chronic kidney disease and a 13% annual death rate.
Despite limitations, such as applicability and lack of data in some countries, the researchers emphasized the need for enhanced risk management and healthcare planning to address the growing burden of heart failure and its economic implications.