Global epidemiology and future trends of heart failure

Abstract: Some population statistics suggested that the epidemiologic burden of heart failure (HF) may have significantly decreased between 2000 and 2010. However, this trend could not be confirmed in other continental or nationwide surveys. We aimed to provide an objective and concise analysis of the worldwide epidemiological burden of HF. An electronic search was performed in Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) registry, with the keyword “heart failure”. The current worldwide prevalence of HF is 64.34 million cases (8.52 per 1,000 inhabitants), accounting for 9.91 million years lost due to disability (YLDs) and 346.17 billion US $ expenditure. YLDs value is marginally higher in men. HF poses the largest burden after 60 years of age and both prevalence and YLDs have increased by 3.9% and 4.5% in very elderly people during the last 28 years. A linear, direct relationship can be found between socio-demographic index (SDI) and both prevalence and YLDs of HF. HF is an emerging worldwide threat whose prevalence and health loss burden constantly increase, especially in the elderly and in people leaving in low-to middle SDI regions. Urgent preventive interventions shall be prioritized and healthcare resources redesigned around this evolving epidemiology.