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Kerwagen F, Ohlmeier C, Evers T, Herrmann S, Bayh I, Michel A, Kruppert S, Wilfer J, Wachter R, Böhm M, Störk S. Real-world characteristics and use patterns of patients treated with vericiguat: A nationwide longitudinal cohort study in Germany. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 80:931-940. [PMID: 38472389 PMCID: PMC11098883 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-024-03654-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vericiguat reduced clinical endpoints in patients experiencing worsening heart failure in clinical trials, but its implementation outside trials is unclear. METHODS This retrospective analysis of longitudinally collected data was based on the IQVIA™ LRx database, which includes ~ 80% of the prescriptions of the 73 million people covered by the German statutory health insurance. RESULTS Between September 2021 and December 2022, vericiguat was initiated in 2916 adult patients. Their mean age was 73 ± 13 years and 28% were women. While approximately 70% were uptitrated beyond 2.5 mg, only 36% reached 10 mg. Median time to up-titration from 2.5 mg to 5 mg was 17 (quartiles: 11-33) days, and from 2.5 to 10 mg 37 (25-64) days, respectively. In 87% of the patients, adherence to vericiguat was high as indicated by a medication possession ratio of ≥ 80%, and 67% of the patients persistently used vericiguat during the first year. Women and older patients reached the maximal dose of 10 mg vericiguat less often and received other substance classes of guideline-recommended therapy (GDMT) less frequently. The proportion of patients receiving four pillars of GDMT increased from 29% before vericiguat initiation to 44% afterwards. CONCLUSION In a real-world setting, despite higher age than in clinical trials, adherence and persistence of vericiguat appeared satisfactory across age categories. Initiation of vericiguat was associated with intensification of concomitant GDMT. Nevertheless, barriers to vericiguat up-titration and implementation of other GDMT, applying in particular to women and elderly patients, need to be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Kerwagen
- Department of Clinical Research and Epidemiology, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Würzburg, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Joanna Wilfer
- IQVIA Commercial GmbH & Co. OHG, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Rolf Wachter
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Böhm
- Department of Internal Medicine Clinic III, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Stefan Störk
- Department of Clinical Research and Epidemiology, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Würzburg, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany.
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Yogeswaran V, Hidano D, Diaz AE, Van Spall HGC, Mamas MA, Roth GA, Cheng RK. Regional variations in heart failure: a global perspective. Heart 2023; 110:11-18. [PMID: 37353316 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2022-321295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a global public health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. While there have been significant therapeutic advancements in HF over the last few decades, there remain major disparities in risk factors, treatment patterns and outcomes across race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, country and region. Recent research has provided insight into many of these disparities, but there remain large gaps in our understanding of worldwide variations in HF care. Although the majority of the global population resides across Asia, Africa and South America, these regions remain poorly represented in epidemiological studies and HF trials. Recent efforts and registries have provided insight into the clinical profiles and outcomes across HF patterns globally. The prevalence of HF and associated risk factors has been reported and varies by country and region ranges, with minimal data on regional variations in treatment patterns and long-term outcomes. It is critical to improve our understanding of the different factors that contribute to global disparities in HF care so we can build interventions that improve our general cardiovascular health and mitigate the social and economic cost of HF. In this narrative review, we hope to provide an overview of the global and regional variations in HF care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danelle Hidano
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andrea E Diaz
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Harriette G C Van Spall
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mamas A Mamas
- Keele Cardiovascular Research Group, Keele University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Gregory A Roth
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Richard K Cheng
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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3
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Kerwagen F, Riemer U, Wachter R, von Haehling S, Abdin A, Böhm M, Schulz M, Störk S. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on implementation of novel guideline-directed medical therapies for heart failure in Germany: a nationwide retrospective analysis. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2023; 35:100778. [PMID: 38023333 PMCID: PMC10652117 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is the cornerstone in the treatment of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and novel substances such as sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated marked clinical benefits. We investigated their implementation into real-world HF care in Germany before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods The IQVIA LRx data set is based on ∼80% of 73 million people covered by the German statutory health insurance. Prescriptions of S/V were used as a proxy for HFrEF. Time trends were analysed between Q1/2016 and Q2/2023 for prescriptions for S/V alone and in combination therapy with SGLT2i. Findings The number of patients treated with S/V increased from 5260 in Q1/2016 to 351,262 in Q2/2023. The share of patients with combination therapy grew from 0.6% (29 of 5260) to 14.2% (31,128 of 219,762) in Q2/2021, and then showed a steep surge up to 54.8% (192,429 of 351,262) in Q2/2023, coinciding with the release of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for HF in Q3/2021. Women and patients aged >80 years were treated less often with combined therapy than men and younger patients. With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients with new S/V prescriptions dropped by 17.5% within one quarter, i.e., from 26,855 in Q1/2020 to 22,145 in Q2/2020, and returned to pre-pandemic levels only in Q1/2021. Interpretation The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a 12-month deceleration of S/V uptake in Germany. Following the release of the ESC HF guidelines, the combined prescription of S/V and SGLT2i was readily adopted. Further efforts are needed to fully implement GDMT and strengthen the resilience of healthcare systems during public health crises. Funding Supported by Novartis Pharma GmbH, Nuremberg, Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Kerwagen
- Department of Clinical Research and Epidemiology, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Riemer
- Medical Department, Novartis Pharma GmbH, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Rolf Wachter
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan von Haehling
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Germany
| | - Amr Abdin
- Department of Internal Medicine Clinic III, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Michael Böhm
- Department of Internal Medicine Clinic III, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Martin Schulz
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Institute for Drug Use Evaluation (DAPI), Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Störk
- Department of Clinical Research and Epidemiology, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
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Schneider A, Hartman MHT, Nolte K, Werhahn SM, Wachter R, Herrmann-Lingen C. Coping styles as predictors for quality of life and prognosis in patients at risk for or with a diagnosis of heart failure: Results from the observational DIAST-CHF study. J Psychosom Res 2023; 170:111384. [PMID: 37244069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with heart failure often experience impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and have an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive role of different coping styles on outcome. METHODS This longitudinal study included 1536 participants who either had cardiovascular risk factors or were diagnosed with heart failure. Follow-ups took place one, two, five and ten years after recruitment. Coping and HRQOL were investigated using self-assessment questionnaires (Freiburg Questionnaire for Coping with Illness, Short Form-36 Health Survey). Somatic outcome was quantified by incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and 6-min-walking-distance. RESULTS Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis showed significant associations between the coping styles used at the first three time points and HRQOL after five years. After adjusting for baseline HRQOL, minimization and wishful thinking predicted worse mental HRQOL (β = -0.106; p = 0.006), while depressive coping predicted worse mental (β = -0.197; p < 0.001) and physical HRQOL (β = -0.085; p = 0.03; n = 613). Active problem-oriented coping could not significantly predict HRQOL. Only minimization and wishful thinking was significantly associated with an increased 10-year-risk for MACCE (hazard ratio = 1.06; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.11; p = 0.02; n = 1444) and reduction in 6-min-walking-distance at 5 years (β = -0.119; p = 0.004; n = 817) in adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS Depressive coping and minimization and wishful thinking were associated with worse quality of life in patients at risk for or with diagnosed heart failure. Minimization and wishful thinking also predicted worse somatic outcome. Therefore, patients using those coping styles might benefit from early psychosocial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Schneider
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Minke H T Hartman
- Department of Cardiology, University of Göttingen Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kathleen Nolte
- Department of Cardiology, University of Göttingen Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Stefanie M Werhahn
- Department of Cardiology, University of Göttingen Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Rolf Wachter
- Department of Cardiology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Christoph Herrmann-Lingen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Göttingen, Germany.
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Epidemiology of cardiac amyloidosis in Germany: a retrospective analysis from 2009 to 2018. Clin Res Cardiol 2023; 112:401-408. [PMID: 36241897 PMCID: PMC9998316 DOI: 10.1007/s00392-022-02114-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improved imaging modalities contributed to increasing awareness of cardiac amyloidosis. Contemporary data on frequency trends in Germany are lacking. METHODS In a retrospective study using health claims data of a German statutory health insurance, patients with diagnostic codes of amyloidosis and concomitant heart failure between 2009 and 2018 were identified. RESULTS Prevalence increased from 15.5 to 47.6 per 100,000 person-years, and incidence increased from 4.8 to 11.6 per 100,000 person-years, with a continuous steepening in the slope of incidence trend. In patients with amyloidosis and heart failure age and proportion of men significantly increased, whereas the frequency of myeloma and nephrotic syndrome significantly decreased over time. Median (IQR) survival time after first diagnosis was 2.5 years (0.5-6 years), with a 9% (95% CI 2-15%, p = 0.008) reduced risk of death in the second compared to the first 5 years of observation. In the 2 years prior and 1 year after diagnosis, mean total health care costs were 6568 €, 11,872 € and 21,955 € per person and year. CONCLUSION The rise in cardiac amyloidosis has continuously accelerated in the last decade. Considering the adverse outcome and high health care burden, further effort should be put on early detection of the disease to implement available treatment.
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Abdin A, Bauersachs J, Soltani S, Eden M, Frey N, Böhm M. A practical approach to the guideline-directed pharmacological treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. ESC Heart Fail 2022; 10:24-31. [PMID: 36229988 PMCID: PMC9871719 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last 15-20 years, remarkable developments of heart failure (HF) pharmacotherapies have been achieved. However, HF remains a global healthcare challenge with more than 64 million patients worldwide. Optimization of guideline-directed chronic HF medical therapy is highly recommended with every patient visit to improve outcomes in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction. However, the majority of patients in real-world settings are treated with doses that are lower than those with proven efficacy in clinical trials, which might be due to concerns of adverse effects and inertia of physicians. Likewise, a significant proportion of patients still do not receive all drug classes that could improve their prognosis. The recent European Society of Cardiology guidelines do not provide detailed recommendations on how these drug classes should be implemented in the treatment of inpatients to allow for both safety and a high likelihood of efficacy. We therefore propose a practical approach algorithm to support physicians to treat HF patients in their daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Abdin
- Department of Internal Medicine III—Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care MedicineSaarland University Medical Center, Saarland UniversitySaarbrückenGermany
| | - Johann Bauersachs
- Department of Cardiology and AngiologyHannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany
| | - Samira Soltani
- Department of Cardiology and AngiologyHannover Medical SchoolHanoverGermany
| | - Matthias Eden
- Department of Internal Medicine IIIUniversity of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Norbert Frey
- Department of Internal Medicine IIIUniversity of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Michael Böhm
- Department of Internal Medicine III—Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care MedicineSaarland University Medical Center, Saarland UniversitySaarbrückenGermany
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Abdin A, Schulz M, Riemer U, Hadëri B, Wachter R, Laufs U, Bauersachs J, Kindermann I, Vukadinović D, Böhm M. Sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure: efficacy and safety in and outside clinical trials. ESC Heart Fail 2022; 9:3737-3750. [PMID: 35921043 PMCID: PMC9773772 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) treatment has changed substantially over the last 30 years, leading to significant reductions in mortality and hospital admissions in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Currently, the optimization of guideline-directed chronic HF therapy remains the mainstay to further improve quality of life, mortality, and HF hospitalizations for patients with HFrEF. The angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) has an important role in the treatment of patients with HFrEF. The PARADIGM-HF (Prospective Comparison of ARNI with ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure) randomized controlled trial has established solid evidence for the treatment of HFrEF in various subgroups. Apart from HFrEF, several studies have been conducted using S/V in various indications: patients hospitalized with acute decompensated HF, HF with preserved ejection fraction, acute myocardial infarction with reduced ejection fraction, uncontrolled and resistant hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Data from the German Institute for Drug Use Evaluation reveal that implementation of S/V has increased steadily over time and, by the end of 2021, an estimated 266 000 patients were treated with S/V in Germany. The estimated cumulative real-world patient exposure is >5.5 million patient-treatment years worldwide. The number of patients treated with S/V largely exceeds the number of patients treated in clinical trials, and the current indication for S/V is larger than the strict inclusion/exclusion criteria of the randomized trials. Especially elderly patients, women, and patients with more and more severe comorbidities are underrepresented in the clinical trials. We therefore aimed to summarize the importance of S/V in HF in terms of efficacy and safety in clinical trials and daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Abdin
- Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Internal Medicine Clinic IIISaarland University HospitalKirrberger Street 10066421HomburgSaarlandGermany
| | - Martin Schulz
- Institute of PharmacyFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany,German Institute for Drug Use Evaluation (DAPI)BerlinGermany
| | - Uwe Riemer
- Medical DepartmentNovartis Pharma GmbHNurembergGermany
| | - Bledar Hadëri
- Medical DepartmentNovartis Pharma AGBaselSwitzerland
| | - Rolf Wachter
- Klinik und Poliklinik für KardiologieUniversitätsklinikum LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Ulrich Laufs
- Klinik und Poliklinik für KardiologieUniversitätsklinikum LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Johann Bauersachs
- Department of Cardiology and AngiologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Ingrid Kindermann
- Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Internal Medicine Clinic IIISaarland University HospitalKirrberger Street 10066421HomburgSaarlandGermany
| | - Davor Vukadinović
- Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Internal Medicine Clinic IIISaarland University HospitalKirrberger Street 10066421HomburgSaarlandGermany
| | - Michael Böhm
- Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Internal Medicine Clinic IIISaarland University HospitalKirrberger Street 10066421HomburgSaarlandGermany
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Natriumrestriktion ohne Effekte auf klinische Ereignisrate bei Herzinsuffizienz. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1842-4910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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9
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Abstract
Chronic heart failure is one of the most common causes of hospitalization and death in industrialized countries. Demographic changes with an aging population are expected to further increase the prevalence of chronic heart failure. The associated increase in comorbidities in patients with chronic heart failure leads to a less favorable prognosis for survival. A selection of the major comorbidities discussed in this review—along with prevalence, impact on prognosis, treatment approaches, and current study status—include atrial fibrillation, arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, coronary microvascular dysfunction, renal dysfunction, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, reduced lymphatic reserve, and the effects on oxygen utilization and physical activity. The complex clinical picture of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains challenging in the nearly absence of evidence-based therapy. Except for comorbidity-specific guidelines, no HFpEF-specific treatment of comorbidities can be recommended at this time. Optimized care is becoming increasingly relevant to reducing hospitalizations through a seamless inpatient and outpatient care structure. Current treatment is focused on symptom relief and management of associated comorbidities. Therefore, prevention through early minimization of risk factors currently remains the best approach.
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Dörr M, Riemer U, Christ M, Bauersachs J, Bosch R, Laufs U, Neumann A, Scherer M, Störk S, Wachter R. Hospitalizations for heart failure: still major differences between East and West Germany 30 years after reunification. ESC Heart Fail 2021; 8:2546-2555. [PMID: 33949148 PMCID: PMC8318397 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.13407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Heart failure (HF) is the most common primary inpatient diagnosis in Germany. We examined temporal trends of HF hospitalization within Germany focusing on regional differences. Methods and results We analysed aggregated data of more than 320 million hospitalizations in Germany from 2000 to 2017. Temporal trends of HF‐related parameters were analysed, focusing on regional differences between the federal states. The absolute number of HF‐related hospitalizations throughout Germany increased continuously and almost doubled (from 239 694 to 464 724 cases, +94%) with the relative increase being higher in East Germany compared with West Germany (119% vs. 88%). These regional differences persisted after age standardization with 609 and 490 cases per 100 000 population, respectively. The length of stay decreased continuously across Germany (from 14.3 to 10.2 days; −29%), while the total number of HF‐related hospital days increased by 51% in East Germany and 35% in West Germany. In 2017, HF remained the leading cause of in‐hospital death (8.9% of all cases), with a markedly higher rate in East vs. West Germany (65 vs. 43 deaths per 100 000 population). Conclusions Heart failure remains the most common cause of hospitalization and in‐hospital death throughout Germany. The increase in HF‐related morbidity and mortality was much higher in East Germany compared with West Germany during the observation period. A more detailed understanding of these striking disparities 30 years after the German reunification requires further investigations. There is an urgent need for action with regard to stronger control of risk factors and improvement of both chronic HF management and healthcare structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Dörr
- Department of Internal Medicine B, University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, Greifswald, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Uwe Riemer
- Medical Department, Novartis Pharma GmbH, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Michael Christ
- Emergency Department, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Johann Bauersachs
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Ralph Bosch
- Cardio Centrum Ludwigsburg-Bietigheim, Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Laufs
- Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Neumann
- Institute for Health Care Management and Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Martin Scherer
- Department of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Störk
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Würzburg and Dept. Medicine I, University and University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Wachter
- Clinic and Policlinic for Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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