Features and costs of patients admitted for cardiac arrhythmias in Spain

AimCardiac rhythm alterations are a frequent cause of hospital admission. However, we do not know their characteristics and economic costs. We have analyzed the epidemiology and cost of hospitalizations due to cardiac arrhythmias in the National Health System.MethodsThe characteristics and costs were reviewed in patients admitted with a principal diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia (1997–2010; diagnosis related groups [DRG] −138 and 139 of the National Health System minimum data base set). Atrial fibrillation/flutter accounted for 65% of these DRGs. The secondary diagnoses prevalent in such DRGs were also reviewed.ResultsHospitalizations due to cardiac arrhythmias were approximately 26,000 per year and close to 1.6% for mortality. In 2010 there were 26,421 hospitalizations with an estimated cost of 65 million Euros. Frequent comorbidities were recorded, such as hypertension (43%), heart failure (12%) or diabetes mellitus (20%). A total of 43% were admitted to cardiology and 36% to internal medicine.ConclusionsDuring the period 1997–2010, there was a significant annual number of hospitalizations for cardiac arrhythmias (mainly atrial fibrillation), with measurable costs, in Spain. More than one-third were attended by internists.

ResumenObjetivoLas alteraciones del ritmo cardiaco son una causa frecuente de ingreso hospitalario pero desconocemos sus características y costes económicos. Hemos analizado la epidemiología y costes de las hospitalizaciones por arritmias cardiacas en el Sistema Nacional de Salud.MétodosSe revisan las características y costes en pacientes ingresados con un diagnóstico principal de arritmia cardiaca (periodo 1997–2010; grupos relacionados por el diagnóstico [GRD] 138 y 139 del conjunto mínimo básico de datos del Sistema Nacional de Salud). El 65% de diagnósticos en tales GRD corresponden a fibrilación auricular/aleteo. Se revisan también los diagnósticos secundarios frecuentes en tales GRD.ResultadosLas hospitalizaciones permanecieron cercanas a 26.000/año y la mortalidad al 1,6%. En 2010 hubo 26.416 hospitalizaciones con unos costes estimados de 65 millones €. Se registran frecuentemente comorbilidades como hipertensión arterial (46%), insuficiencia cardiaca (12%) o diabetes mellitus (20%). Ingresaron en cardiología el 43% y en medicina interna el 36%.ConclusionesDurante el periodo 1997–2010 se produjeron en España un importante número de hospitalizaciones por arritmias (principalmente fibrilación auricular), con apreciables costes. Más de un tercio son atendidas por internistas.