Heart failure in young adults is associated with high mortality: a contemporary population-level analysis

Wong, C. M. et al. (2017) Heart failure in young adults is associated with high mortality: a contemporary population-level analysis. Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 33(11), pp. 1472-1477. (doi: 10.1016/j.cjca.2017.05.009) (PMID:28941947)

Abstract

Background: Data on young patients with heart failure (HF) are sparse. We examined the characteristics, healthcare utilization and survival of younger versus older patients with HF. Methods: Analysis of linked administrative databases in Alberta, Canada. 34,548 patients with first hospitalization for HF as principal diagnosis were identified from 2002 to 2014. Patients were stratified into four age groups: 20-44, 45-54, 55-64, and ≥65 years. Results: Of the 34548 patients, 496 (1.4%), 1319 (3.8%), 3359 (9.7%) and 29374 (85%) patients were aged 20-44, 45-54, 55-64 and ≥65 years, respectively. Incidence of HF hospitalization decreased over time among patients ≥65 years, and increased among men aged 20 – 64 years. In the year following the index HF hospitalization, younger compared to older patients were less likely to present to the emergency department (ED) (e.g. 67.2% of those aged 20-44 years vs. 74.8% of those aged ≥65 years) or be hospitalized: for any reason (48.5% vs. 61.2%), cardiovascular causes (28.6% vs. 34.4%), or HF (14.8% vs. 23.6%). Mortality rates were lower in younger patients aged 20-44 years, but still substantial: 3.9%, 12.4%, and 27.7% at 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years respectively. Conclusions: Although young patients, especially those <45 years of age, accounted for a small proportion of the total population, adverse events were frequent, with half of the younger patients being readmitted, two thirds presenting to an ED, and over 10% dying within a year.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jhund, Professor Pardeep and Petrie, Professor Mark and McMurray, Professor John
• Authors: Wong, C. M., Hawkins, N. M., Ezekowitz, J. A., Jhund, P. S., Savu, A., MacDonald, M. R., Kristensen, S. L., Petrie, M. C., McMurray, J. J.V., McAlister, F. A., and Kaul, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Canadian Journal of Cardiology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0828-282X
• ISSN (Online): 1916-7075
• Published Online: 19 June 2017
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2017 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in Canadian Journal of Cardiology 33(11): 1472-1477
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher