Decrease in hosptial admission for heart failure during years 2018-23 in a Southern Italian Region

Abstract Heart failure (HF) is a chronic disease with a high prevalence. Worldwide, this disease affects 2-3% of the population, with significantly higher numbers in the elderly and an incidence that doubles for each decade starting from the age of 45. It is considered one of the main public health issue, not only in relation to its morbidity and mortality, but also for its significant impact on health services. In Italy, HF represents the third cause of hospitalization in the general population, but it is the first in subjects over 65 years of age; furthermore, HF is associated with an in-hospital mortality of 5-7%. The aim of the study was to evaluate the hospitalization rate for heart failure in the Abruzzo region, Italy, from 2018 to 2023. Data related to hospital admissions were extracted from the hospital discharge record of the Abruzzo region, considering all admissions performed during the years 2018-2023 among patients aged over 18 years. Patients admitted for cardiac surgery or other surgical conditions were excluded. The rate was standardized by age and gender and the time trend in hospital admissions was evaluated with joint-point regression analysis, estimating the average annual percentage change (AAPC) with relative 95% confidence interval. During the study period 27.247 admissions were recorded. Patients aged over 74 years were most affected, representing the 72% of all HF hospitalizations. Between 2018 and 2023, a decrease in the rate was observed, with a variation from 4.38 cases/1,000 to 2.85 cases/1,000. Considering the entire study period, a statistically significant reduction was recorded (AAPC:-9.1%; 95%CI -15.3; -2.5). The reduction in the rate of hospitalization for HF indirectly demonstrates an improvement in the care of this condition. Despite this result, HF remains an important public health issue, which for a correct management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Key messages • It was observed a decreasing trend in hospitalizations for heart failure during years 2018-23. • HF remains an important public health issue.