Prevalence pattern precipitating factors and presenting features of congestive heart failure patients in GDMCH Dharmapuri

Introduction: Heart failure is the end stage of all diseases of the heart and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Since 1970s the treatment of CHF has been transformed, resulting in major benefit to patients. This advance has been the consequence of better understanding of the pathophysiology, investigations, the introduction of newer drugs and cardiac transplantation. Aim of the study: To find out the prevalence of congestive heart failure among the patients admitted in the hospital and to analyse their presenting features and precipitating factors. Materials and methods: A total of 196 cases that satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria stated above were taken up for subsequent study. Results: During the study period, 6072 patients were admitted in the medical wards. Out of them 196 satisfied the inclusion criteria. So the prevalence was 3.2 % (196/6072). Among the 196, 7 were expired, thus case fatality rate was 3.5% (7/196). Conclusion: The prevalence of congestive heart failure among hospitalized was 3.2 %Congestive heart failure was common among the age group of 45 – 65 years. Drug intake mainly Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anaemia and infections were the most common precipitating factors.