HOW COMMON IS HEART-FAILURE - EVIDENCE FROM PACT (PRESCRIBING ANALYSIS AND COST) DATA IN NOTTINGHAM

Background The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of hea rt failure in Nottinghamshire by an analysis of prescriptions for loop diuretics. Methods An observational study was carried out in the Nott ingham Health District, on the basis of Prescribing Analysis and Cost (PACT) data relating to nearly 400 000 kg of frusemide prescribed in t he year 1991-1992 and general practitioner (GP) records on two groups of patients (total 903) prescribed frusemide. Results The total amount of frusemide prescribed on a daily basis in Nottinghamshire is 1 048 566 mg. The mean daily dose of frusemide per patient is 60 mg and the median dose 40 mg. There are between 13107 and 26214 patients taking f rusemide in Nottinghamshire. Fifty-six per cent of patients prescribed loop diuretics by their GP fulfil diagnostic criteria for heart failu re. Conclusion The prevalence of heart failure in Nottinghamshire esti mated from loop diuretic prescribing increases from 0.1 per cent in th e age-group 30-39 years to 5.45 per cent in patients aged over 90 year s.