Heart Beat: Longer survival, more cases, boost heart failure population
Heart Beat
Longer survival, more cases, boost heart failure population
Here's a classic good news, bad news report: People with heart failure are living longer than they were thirty years ago. But combine this with more people surviving heart attacks and the graying of the population, and you can see why we're in the midst of what some are calling an epidemic of heart failure, according to a report in the Feb. 14, 2006, Circulation.
In the 1970s, only about 20% of people lived for five years or more after being diagnosed with heart failure. By the 1990s, that was up to 30%. As of 2006 it's about 50%. This trend parallels dramatic improvements in our understanding of heart failure coupled with earlier diagnosis and better treatments.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.