Trends in Premature Mortality Due to Heart Failure by Autonomous Community in Spain: 1999 to 2013.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Heart failure (HF) is a major public health problem, and the prevalence increases with age. In Spain, there are considerable differences between autonomous communities. The aim of this study was to analyze trends in premature mortality due to HF between 1999 and 2013 in Spain by autonomous community.

METHODS

We analyzed data on mortality due to HF in Spanish residents aged 0 to 75 years by autonomous community between 1999 and 2013. Data were collected from files provided by the Spanish Statistics Office. Age-adjusted mortality rates were analyzed and the average annual percentage rate was estimated by Poisson models.

RESULTS

Mortality due to HF represented 10.9% of total mortality. In 2013, the national age-adjusted rate was 2.98 deaths in men and 1.29 deaths in women per 100 000 inhabitants, with an annual mean reduction of 2.27% and 4.53%, respectively. In men, average mortality showed the greatest reduction in Castile-La-Mancha (6.30%). In Cantabria, average mortality significantly increased (3.97%). In women, average mortality showed the greatest decrease in the Chartered Community of Navarre (15.17%).

CONCLUSIONS

During the study period, mortality due to HF showed an overall average decrease, both nationally and by autonomous community. This decrease was more pronounced in women than in men. Premature mortality significantly decreased in most-but not all-autonomous communities.