Yes, CHF is among the most serious diseases in the United States today. The fatigue and shortness of breath associated with CHF can be very debilitating, leaving some patients unable to perform even their activities of daily living such as cooking, cleaning, and grooming themselves. This level of disability severely affects their quality of life.
CHF affects nearly 5 million Americans, with more than 550,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Significantly, the number of patients with CHF is growing. In the past 5 years, the Medicare program has reported a 5 percent annual increase in the number of patients with this diagnosis. With 80 percent of hospitalizations occurring in individuals older than 65 years and 50 per-cent in patients older than 75 years, CHF is the most frequently reported diagnosis in Medicare patients.
There are two prominent reasons for the increased incidence of CHF: the aging population and modern medical care. More effective medical treatments for heart attacks have decreased the mortality rates. The survivors of these heart attacks comprise a rapidly growing group of younger patients with CHF. The aging of the population creates a greater number of people who have risk factors for CHF, such as chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, and coronary artery disease.
CHF is an important cause of sickness and results in frequent doctor and hospital visits. These visits consume an enormous amount of health care resources. CHF is the most common indication for admission to the hospital among older persons.
Patients, insurers, and health care agencies spent an estimated $20 billion in 2003 for the care of CHF patients. This includes costs related to hospital care, office visits, home care, long-term care, and medications. CHF is the single most costly health care problem in the United States and the second leading reason for hospitalization in patients over 65 years of age. CHF costs exceed those for treating myocardial infarctions (MIs) and cancers combined.
CHF can result in death. It accounts for more than a quarter of a million deaths in this country and is the most common cause of death in people over 65.
Although heart failure produces extremely high mortality rates, specific treatments, particularly beta blockers and devices that stabilize heart rhythms, are now dramatically improving survival rates in patients with severe heart failure.
Victoria’s comment:
When I was first diagnosed with CHF, I was admitted to the hospital four times in the same year with shortness of breath and leg swelling. It seemed I was always short of breath and couldn’t go outside at all without spending the next day in bed. I eventually got on the right medications and really started to watch my salt intake. Now I haven’t been admitted to the hospital in more than 3 years.