Changing epidemiology in patients with heart failure

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are current global epidemics with increasing prevalence that show no signs of slowing down. Of particular concern is the burden that both of these disorders place on individuals and society as a whole. Individually, both are expensive in resources, have high mortality rates, and cause significant reductions in quality of life. However, 30% to 45% of patients with HF have DM, and DM is an independent risk factor for the development of progressive HF and cardiovascular death, complicating management for physicians and further raising pressures on health and social care systems. Breakthroughs in the medical management of DM and HF have reduced mortality rates, meaning that the current epidemic is largely fueled by increased prevalence of the two disorders. Of particular concern is the rise of DM in developing countries, as these areas of the world become more prosperous, with the trappings of Western civilization rapidly infiltrating their cultures. Subsequent declines in physical activity and increased consumption of refined foods, drastically removed from indigenous eating habits, are resulting in DM sweeping the globe.