National trends in heart failure admissions in Peru: Insights on regional and demographic disparities from 2018 to 2023

Abstract

Background

Heart failure (HF) represents a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where demographic shifts and healthcare disparities influence disease patterns. This study aimed to analyze trends in HF admissions across Peru from 2018 to 2023.

Methods

We conducted a secondary data analysis of emergency department morbidity records of patients aged ≥20 years registered in the National Superintendence of Health (SUSALUD) database. HF admissions were identified using ICD-10 codes. Age-adjusted standardized HF admission rates per 100,000 persons were estimated using the direct method. Annual percentage changes with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Poisson regression models.

Results

In total, 38,931 HF admissions were recorded, with the majority occurring in patients aged ≥60 years (69.2%), and 51.2% of cases were men. HF admissions showed an overall annual growth rate of 2.78% (95% CI 0.95% - 4.65%), 2.92% (95% CI 1.13% - 4.74%) for men, and 2.57% (95% CI 0.45% - 4.73%) for women. Regional disparities were evident, with the highest rates observed in the Amazon region. HF admissions declined during 2020, followed by a rebound in subsequent years.

Conclusion

HF admissions in Peru increased from 2018 to 2023, with notable disparities by sex and region. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address regional and demographic variations in HF burden.