Devroey D, Van Casteren V. Characteristics of patients with heart failure in Belgian general practice. World Conference of General Practice, May 19-23, 2010, Cancun, Mexico.
Eerste auteur: Devroey D
Jaar: 2010
Type: Congres
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Only little reliable data about the incidence and mortality of heart failure (HF) exist. The aim of this study is to determine incidence, mortality of HF in Belgium and to describe the specific symptoms and clinical signs among patients who present with HF in primary health care.
METHODS: Data were prospectively collected during a two-year period by a nationwide network of sentinel practices. All adult patients for whom the first time the diagnosis of HF was clinically suspected were registered. Patients were finally included if the diagnosis of HF was confirmed after one month.
RESULTS: The yearly incidence of confirmed HF in the Belgian adult population was estimated 194 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI: 172-218). At diagnosis the median age of the patients was 79 years: 82 years for women and 76 years for men (p<0.0001). Most of the patients were classified as NYHA III (50%), 27% as NYHA IV and 20% as NYHA II. Mortality was 19% after 6 months and 26% after 12 months. Breathlessness on exercise (p<0.001), limitations of physical activity (p=0.003) and orthopnoea (p=0.040) were the symptoms with the best predictive value for HF. The clinical signs with the best predictive value were pulmonary rales (p<0.001), peripheral oedema (p<0.001) and raised jugular venous pressure (p=0.039).
CONCLUSION: We estimate the yearly incidence of HF in the Belgian adult population at 194 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. HF is fatal for more than one quarter of the patients in the first year after the diagnosis.