The epidemiology of heart failure in Australia.
BACKGROUND
The epidemiology of heart failure is poorly understood. Australia has one of the highest rates of cardiovascular disease in the world with heart failure representing a large proportion of this group, yet there is minimal data on the incidence or prevalence.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the epidemiological impact of heart failure in Australia by assessing mortality and morbidity data.


METHODS
Data were obtained from National and State health organisations in terms of morbidity and mortality of heart failure. Data were obtained from several sources so as to provide a comprehensive picture of the available epidemiological data on heart failure.


RESULTS
The mortality rates associated with heart failure have been decreasing substantially over the last 20 years. However, there appears to be a stabilisation of heart failure presentations over the last decade, both nationally and in the state of New South Wales. Extrapolation of the data to assess prevalence of heart failure in the community was not possible.


CONCLUSIONS
Currently, mortality rates for heart failure are decreasing in Australia, while there does not appear to be any real increase in the numbers of patients admitted to hospital with a subsequent diagnosis of heart failure over a 10 year period.
McLean
Anthony S
AS
Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Nepean Hospital, The University of Sydney, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.
Eslick
Guy D
GD
Coats
Andrew J S
AJ
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002423:Cause of Death; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012042:Registries; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D016019:Survival Analysis