BCN HEALTH publishes a systematic review highlighting the substantial economic burden of heart failure in Europe

BCN HEALTH contributed to a comprehensive systematic review evaluating the economic impact of heart failure (HF) diagnosis, treatment, and management across European healthcare systems. The review was based on structured searches of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EconLit, including studies published between January 2000 and January 2024. A total of 49 studies were included, covering resource use, direct and indirect costs, and cost-effectiveness analyses. The study followed a rigorous multi-phase selection process and standardized cost data to euros to ensure comparability across countries. 

The review shows that heart failure imposes a substantial and growing economic burden across Europe, with significant variability between countries and healthcare systems. Annual costs ranged from approximately €613 to €22,647 per patient, reflecting differences in care delivery, disease severity, and study methodologies. Hospitalizations were consistently identified as the primary cost driver, accounting for between 15% and 92% of total costs. Resource utilization was also high, particularly for hospital admissions, outpatient visits, and medication use, highlighting the intensive management required for HF patients.

Indirect costs, including productivity losses and informal caregiving, were less frequently reported but still represented a meaningful component of the overall burden. In studies where these were included, indirect costs could reach substantial levels, particularly among younger or community-dwelling populations. The findings also show that heart failure management is complex, often involving frequent hospital readmissions, medication adjustments, and long-term monitoring, all of which contribute to increased economic pressure on healthcare systems. 

Despite advances in treatment, the results indicate that heart failure continues to generate high costs, largely driven by hospitalizations and disease progression. However, the review highlights that structured disease management programmes, such as multidisciplinary care, telemonitoring, and integrated follow-up, can significantly reduce hospital admissions and associated costs. These interventions, while requiring greater healthcare professional involvement, often offset costs through reduced hospital utilization. 

Overall, this systematic review provides updated and policy-relevant evidence on the economic burden of heart failure in Europe. The findings offer valuable insights for healthcare decision-makers, supporting the adoption of cost-effective strategies such as early intervention, optimized pharmacological treatment, and integrated care models to improve patient outcomes while reducing the financial strain on healthcare systems.

More information can be found at https://doi.org/10.1002/ehf2.70017