Epidemiology of hospitalized heart failure in France based on national data over 10 years, 2012-2022

Aims We aim to describe the incidence of HF hospitalization in France in the post-pandemic era, the prevalence of HF cases and patients' characteristics, management and outcomes while focusing on sex, age and socio-economic differences and to analyse time-trends between 2012 and 2022. Methods and results Based on the French health care database providing medical information for almost the whole French population, patients hospitalized for acute decompensated HF without history of HF in the 5 years were identified by the International Classification of Diseases - 10th revision (ICD-10) codes. In 2022, the estimated prevalence of HF was 1.7% in France and has increased until the COVID-19 pandemic and decreased thereafter. The incidence of acute HF decompensation reached 201.4 per 100 000 inhabitants and has decreased since 2012 (-1% per year). A significant increase of the HF incidence was found in men aged <45 years. Women aged <65 years were less likely to be admitted in a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) unit and had higher probability of one-year mortality compared with men of the same age. One-year mortality was significantly increased in patients from the most deprived area among extreme age group only (under 65 and >= 85 years). One-year rehospitalization rates have decreased significantly, particularly in men aged <75 years. A decrease in ACE/ARBs deliveries was observed in both men and women. Conclusions Despite the decrease in acute HF decompensation incidence and improvements in the management, the prevalence of HF remains stable in France and prognosis remains poor.