Aims: To describe, for the first time, trends in hospitalization and mortality 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 for congestive heart failure rose by 71% (from 42,965 in 1980 to 73,448 in 1993) and hospitalization rates for congestive heart failure increased by 47% (from 348 per 100,000 in 1980 to 511 per 100,000 in 1993). The rise in hospitalizations was limited to persons aged > or = 65 years, and proved greater among women. Congestive heart failure was the leading cause of hospitalization in persons aged > or = 65 years, accounting for 5% of all hospital admissions in this age group. Age-adjusted congestive heart failure mortality declined by 23%. The decline affected all age groups, with the sole exception of the > or = 80-year group in which mortality rose. Nevertheless, congestive heart failure remained the third leading cause of cardiovascular death.
Conclusion: Congestive heart failure represents a significant hospital and demographic burden for the Spanish population. The hospital burden increased substantially in the period 1980-1993, and will continue to do so in future with the growth of the elderly population.