Are We on the Verge of a Heart Failure Pandemic?
A large increase in the number of elderly heart failure patients foreshadows a coming heart failure pandemic.
Japan has one of the most rapidly aging societies in the world and has the highest average life expectancy globally. It is estimated that by 2025, 30.3% of the population will be over 65, and 13.0% of the population will be over 75.
Heart disease, including heart failure, is on the rise and is the 2nd leading cause of death after cancer (as of 2018).
The number of elderly heart failure patients is expected to increase along with the aging of the population, suggesting a coming heart failure pandemic.
It is thought that a heart failure pandemic will give rise to a number of social problems, such as enormous medical costs and hospitals being unable to cope due to an influx of elderly heart failure patients.
As such, it is essential to take steps to prevent heart failure and relapses in one's daily life.