How common is heart failure? Evidence from PACT (prescribing analysis and cost) data in Nottingham.

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of heart failure in Nottinghamshire by an analysis of prescriptions for loop diuretics.

METHODS

An observational study was carried out in the Nottingham Health District, on the basis of Prescribing Analysis and Cost (PACT) data relating to nearly 400,000 kg of frusemide prescribed in the year 1991-1992 and general practitioner (GP) records on two groups of patients (total 903) prescribed frusemide.

RESULTS

The total amount of frusemide prescribed on a daily basis in Nottinghamshire in 1,048,566 mg. The mean daily dose of frusemide per patient is 60 mg and the median dose 40 mg. There are between 13,107 and 26,214 patients taking frusemide in Nottinghamshire. Fifty-six per cent of patients prescribed loop diuretics by their GP fulfil diagnostic criteria for heart failure.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of heart failure in Nottinghamshire estimated from loop diuretic prescribing increases from 0.1 per cent in the age-group 30-39 years to 5.45 percent in patients aged over 90 years.