Trends in hospitalization and mortality for heart failure in Spain, 1980-1993

AIMS: To describe, for the first time, trends in hospitalization andmortality rates for congestive heart failure in Spain duringthe period 1980–1993. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data on primary diagnosis of congestive heart failure were takenfrom the National Hospital Morbidity Survey and the NationalVital Statistics. The number of hospital admissions for congestiveheart failure rose by 71% (from 42 965 in 1980 to 73 448 in1993) and hospitalization rates for congestive heart failureincreased by 47% (from 348 per 100 000 in 1980 to 511 per 100000 in 1993). The rise in hospitalizations was limited to personsaged 65 years, and proved greater among women. Congestive heartfailure was the leading cause of hospitalization in personsaged 65 years, accounting for 5% of all hospital admissionsin this age group. Age-adjusted congestive heart failure mortalitydeclined by 23%. The decline affected all age groups, with thesole exception of the 80-year group in which mortality rose.Nevertheless, congestive heart failure remained the third leadingcause of cardiovascular death. CONCLUSION: Congestive heart failure represents a significant hospital anddemographic burden for the Spanish population. The hospitalburden increased substantially in the period 1980–1993,and will continue to do so in future with the growth of theelderly population.