The management of heart failure: a FADOI survey in the setting of Internal Medicine Units

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic disease characterized by high morbidity and mortality. FADOI conducted a survey aimed at obtaining information on the management of HF in Italy, with particular reference to the Internal Medicine (IM) Units. The questionnaire, containing 32 questions, was sent to the Directors. Up to August 2022, it was possible to analyze data from140 centers. In 47.4±17.2% of cases with HF, the patients have preserved systolic function; 41% are in NYHA class III, 33% in class IV (33%), 21% and 5% in NYHA class II and I, respectively. The mean length of hospital stay is 9±2.5 days, with an inhospital mortality of 11.9%±9.5%. After discharge, the re-hospitalizations are 21.3±12.7%. In 44.4% of IM departments, there is a formal diagnostic-therapeutic care pathway. Also, through surveys, it is possible to help hospitals to and optimize assistance to patients affected by HF.