Report on heart failure in Poland: data from 2014-2021

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) is marked by a poor prognosis, heightened mortality risk, and recurrent hospitalizations. Poland consistently leads among OECD countries with a high hospitalization rate of 616 per 100 000 citizens in 2019, nearly three times the 34-country average. Aim This study aims to provide essential insights into managing HF patients in Poland, focusing on those with recurrent hospitalizations, spanning the period from 2014 to 2021. Methods Employing observational methods, the study utilizes long-term registry data from the Polish Ministry of Health and the "Health Needs Map." Analyzing a diverse population, data from the National Health Fund encompasses over 1 000 000 patients diagnosed with HF (ICD-10 code: I50) or pulmonary edema (ICD-10 code: J81), predominantly treated through uniform medical services. This study inherently adopts a population-based approach, encompassing all medical facilities treating patients with those ICD-10 codes. Results Here we present the data on HF prevalence, incidence, and the healthcare pathway. Diagnosed cases of HF in Poland rose to 1.02 million by December 31, 2019. In 2021, the standardized HF prevalence rate reached 2 626 per 100 000, peaking in individuals aged 80–89 years (32%). HF hospitalizations (HFH) in 2019 were 1022 per 100 000, decreasing to 205 000 in 2021. Notably, hospitalizations surpassed patients receiving treatment by 18–25%, with over 9.2 million healthcare services observed from 2014–2021, constituting 48% of cases. Conclusions This study, pertinent to Polish and global cardiologists, provides a comprehensive overview of HF trends and risks, holding potential for refining diagnosis and treatment in Central and Eastern European populations.