Epidemiology and economic impact of heart failure in France

There are little epidemiological data available about heart failure in Fran ce, despite its considerable impact on the system of health care and the fa ct that this problem will become even more acute in the future. Here are some important statistics : in France, there are about 500 000 peo ple suffering from heart failure with about 120 000 new cases every year. T he incidence increases from 4 parts per thousand in men and 3 parts per tho usand in women of 55 to 64 years of age to 50 % in men and 85 parts per tho usand in women of 85 to 94 years of age. The average age of diagnosis is 73 .5 years : two thirds of patients are over 70 years of age. There are about 3.5 million consultations and 150 000 hospital admissions for heart failur e per year. The average length of hospital stay is 11 days. There are more than 32 000 deaths per year from heart failure. The cost of treating heart failure represents more than 1% of total medical expenses. Heart failure is a major problem of public health which is on the increase. This should incite physicians to provide optimal treatment for those affec ted and to place greater emphasis on preventive measures.