The impact of hearth failure on health care costs in Belgium

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a serious public health problem all over the world. This chronic disease has a high prevalence, affects mainly the elderly and causes high mortality or severe disability with high economic costs. The aim of this study was to calculate the in-hospital costs due to HF in Belgium. Methods: Retrospective analysis of data from the national hospital registration system (MKG) for 2001. Cost calculations were performed using the data of the social insurance system (RIZIV). Results: In 2001, there were 19.398 admissions with HF as a primary diagnosis with a total in-hospital stay of 286.938 days, representing 12% of the total hospital days for cardiovascular diseases. The mean in-hospital stay for HF was 14.8 days. 51% of the patients were readmitted within the same year. The in-hospital mortality was 15.5%. The total in-hospital costs of HF as a primary diagnosis The impact of hearth failure on health care costs in Belgium. Conclusion: HF was responsible for a significant number of in-hospital days and in-hospital mortality. It has a significant impact on health care costs in Belgium.