The Growing Impact of HF Stats

In October, the Heart Failure Society of America published the inaugural edition of the Heart Failure Epidemiology and Outcomes Statistics Report, or HF Stats. HF Stats provides data and analysis about the state of heart failure in the U.S. and around the world. 

The inaugural edition included a summary of the top 10 key points from the publication:

• Approximately 6.7 million Americans over 20 years of age have heart failure (HF), and the prevalence is expected to rise to 8.5 million Americans by 2030
• The lifetime risk of HF has increased to 24%; approximately 1 in 4 persons will develop HF in their lifetime
• Approximately 33% of the United States (US) adult population is at-risk for HF (Stage A HF) and 24-34% of the US population have pre-HF (Stage B HF). The risk of developing HF in individuals with obesity and hypertension has increased
• The incidence and prevalence of HF is higher among Black individuals compared with other racial and ethnic groups. The prevalence of HF has increased among Black and Hispanic individuals over time
• HF mortality rates have been increasing since 2012
• Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native individuals have the highest all-cause age-adjusted HF mortality rates compared with other racial and ethnic groups. From 2010 to 2020, HF mortality rates have increased for Black women and men at a rate higher than any other racial or ethnic groups, particularly for individuals below the age of 65
• A greater relative annual increase in HF-related mortality rates has been noted for younger (35-64 years) compared with older (65-84 years) adults
• Highest HF death rates have been reported in the Midwest, Southeast, and Southern states. Rural areas demonstrate higher HF mortality rates for both younger and older age groups compared with urban areas
• Rates of HF hospitalizations have increased from 2014 to 2017. This increase was consistent between age groups and sexes, with the highest rates being among Black patients
• Disparities in social determinants of health and health inequities are important HF risk factors and result in increased mortality and other adverse outcomes in individuals at risk for HF or with HF

The full report outlines the incidence, prevalence, lifetime risk estimates and trends of heart failure in the US and globally. Specific details are provided by race, ethnicity, age and sex. Disparities in care and knowledge gaps are highlighted in a comprehensive manner including variations by rural vs. urban location.
 
In-depth data are also provided on key elements of the morbidity and mortality of heart failure worldwide to best characterize the impact on patients and healthcare systems. Regional variations are summarized and details on the current use of guideline-directed therapies are provided. And the document closes with topline insights on cost implications, gaps in knowledge and future directions including forecasts for the future impact and burden of HF.

2024 HF Stats Report

HF Stats 2024: Heart Failure Epidemiology and Outcomes Statistics; An Updated 2024 Report from the Heart Failure Society of America coming out this fall, will include updates on the data from last year’s report as well as new data on estimates of Stages, B, C, C2D, D in heart failure.

Visit the New HF Stats Microsite

A new microsite has just been launched where providers, researchers and patients can further explore the data in HF Stats. Go here to take a look. As the data and information in HF Stats continues to expand and deepen in the years ahead, the impact and uses of HF Stats will grow exponentially, including its impact on improving heart failure care for our patients.

James C. Fang, MD, FHFSA
HFSA President 2023-2024