The epidemiology of heart failure

Cleland, J. G.F. (2008) The epidemiology of heart failure. In: Beattie, J. and Goodlin, S. (eds.) Supportive Care in Heart Failure. Oxford University Press: Oxford, pp. 9-26. ISBN 9780198570288 (doi: 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198570288.003.0002)

Abstract

This chapter concentrates on the state of knowledge in the epidemiology of heart failure (HF). It starts by addressing the definition, diagnosis, and cause of HF in order to understand the epidemiology of HF. It is stated by epidemiological studies that two-thirds or more of new cases of HF are diagnosed subsequent to a hospital admission. In addition, the problems with the interpretation of epidemiological studies are presented. It then emphasizes the epidemiology of clinical HF, left-ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF), and severe HF. The cause of HF is usually considered to be due to myocardial disease. However, many contributory factors conspire to exacerbate the underlying disease and some contributory factors may be a more important cause of HF than the underlying disease. It specifically discusses arrhythmias, anaemia, renal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, valve disease, dyssynchrony, and pulmonary hypertension, hypotension, and heart failure co-morbidities. In general, the epidemiology of HF is often over-simplified. Proper understanding, in absolute terms, of the numbers of patients and the type of HF that requires management should assist in the better planning of diagnosis and management.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cleland, Professor John
• Authors: Cleland, J. G.F.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISBN: 9780198570288