In the Czech Republic, heart failure affects approximately 2–3% of the adult population, which represents approximately 200,000–300,000 people. With an aging population and improved treatment (and thus longer life expectancy with this disease), a significant increase in cases is expected in the future. Models predict a total of more than 800,000 people affected by 2040.
Age and gender differences
Heart failure is more common in older people. While the incidence is relatively low in people under 65, it increases significantly after that age. It occurs in up to 10% of men over 75, compared to approximately 8% of women in the same age group.
Causes and risk factors
The main causes of heart failure in the Czech Republic are ischemic heart disease and high blood pressure. Other significant risk factors include diabetes mellitus (all types of diabetes), obesity, smoking, and dyslipidemia (increased fat and cholesterol in the blood). These factors often occur in combination, which further increases the risk.
Burden on the healthcare system
Heart failure places a significant burden on the healthcare system, as it is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization among older patients. Data from the National Register of Paid Healthcare Services (NRHZS) show that heart failure has a significant impact on healthcare consumption, including frequent hospitalizations and costly treatments. Preventing heart failure therefore has a positive impact not only on the lives of many people, but also protects the long-term sustainability of healthcare.
