TRENDS IN HOSPITALIZATION AND MORTALITY FOR HEART-FAILURE IN SPAIN, 1980-1993

Aims To describe, for the first time, trends in hospitalization and mo rtality rates for congestive heart failure in Spain during the period 1980-1993. Methods and results Data on primary diagnosis of congestive heart failure were taken from the National Hospital Morbidity Survey and the National Vital Statistics. The number of hospital admissions f or congestive heart failure rose by 71% (from 42965 in 1980 to 73448 i n 1993) and hospitalization rates for congestive heart failure increas ed by 47% (from 348 per 100000 in 1980 to 511 per 100000 in 1993). The rise in hospitalizations was limited to persons aged greater than or equal to 65 years, and proved greater among women. Congestive heart fa ilure was the leading cause of hospitalization in persons aged greater than or equal to 65 years, accounting for 5% of all hospital admissio ns in this age group. Age-adjusted congestive heart failure mortality declined by 23%. The decline affected all age groups, with the sole ex ception of the greater than or equal to 80-year group in which mortali ty rose. Nevertheless, congestive heart failure remained the third lea ding cause of cardiovascular death. Conclusion Congestive heart failur e represents a significant hospital and demographic burden for the Spa nish population. The hospital burden increased substantially in the pe riod 1980-1993, and will continue to do so in future with the growth o f the elderly population.