Consequences of HF

Heart failure is a serious medical disorder that may require medical attention from several physicians including your family doctor, internist, cardiologist and heart failure specialist. It is most commonly a chronic illness that often arises as a result from health problems such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a viral infection as well as many other conditions. It can result in a risk of hospitalization, reduced quality of life and reduced survival. The following historical statistics speak to the seriousness of this condition:

• For patients with heart failure, less than 50% of patients are living five years after their initial diagnosis and less than 25% are alive at 10 years.
• Patients hospitalized for heart failure have an average 1-year mortality rate of 33%
• Canada’s average annual in-hospital mortality rate is: i) 9.5 deaths/100 hospitalized patients >65 years of age ii) 12.5 deaths/100 hospitalized patients >75 years of age

Heart failure can be controlled. In most cases, it cannot be cured.