Risk Factors for Congestive Heart Failure in US Men and Women

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Abstract
DURING THE past several decades, the incidence of and mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke have been continuously declining. In contrast, the incidence of and mortality from congestive heart failure (CHF) have been increasing and have become important public health and clinical problems.1,2 Approximately 4.6 million Americans have a diagnosis of CHF, about 400 000 new cases occur annually, and more than 43 000 individuals die of CHF in the United States each year.1 The number of hospitalizations for CHF increased from 377 000 in 1979 to 870 000 in 1996 (a 131% increase), and deaths from CHF increased by approximately 120% during the same period.1