Heart Failure — An Epidemic of Uncertain Proportions

Abstract

We are in the midst of a proclaimed epidemic of heart failure, as evidenced by increases in the number of hospitalizations for heart failure, the number of deaths attributed to heart failure, and the costs associated with care.¹ In this issue of the Journal, we are provided with good news regarding the heart failure epidemic. Levy et al.² report data from the Framingham Heart Study indicating that the survival of patients in the community who have a diagnosis of heart failure is (finally) improving and that the incidence of heart failure may be declining. As we consider the implications of . . .