Heart failure can affect up to 20% of the population over the course of a lifetime

The disease affects about 2 million Brazilians, causes shortness of breath and fatigue, and poses a challenge for the SUS due to the high number of readmissions

A heart failure It is a disease that can compromise independence and quality of life, especially among the elderly. With an aging population and increased life expectancy, this condition is becoming an ever-greater challenge for public health.. Estimates indicate that the lifetime risk of developing heart failure is as high as 20%.

In Brazil, about 2 million people live with the disease, according to data presented by cardiologist Egle Costa Oppi, executive medical director at Biolab Farmacêutica. The country records approximately 240,000 new cases per year. Worldwide, the condition affects about 26 million people.

Heart failure occurs when the heart loses its ability to pump blood properly or to fill efficiently. As a result, the body may receive less oxygen and nutrients, affecting simple daily activities.

“We’re talking about a condition with an estimated 20% lifetime risk of developing, a reality that requires immediate attention—from preventive diagnosis to specialized treatment,” explains the doctor.

Aging Increases Concern

An aging population is among the factors contributing to the rise in cases. Data from DATASUS analyzed between 2014 and 2024 show that the 70- to 79-year-old age group accounted for more than 585,000 hospitalizations for heart failure in Brazil.

The disease, however, is not an inevitable consequence of aging. It is usually the result of various forms of damage that the heart has sustained over the years. Among the main causes are high blood pressure, the myocardial infarction, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.

“Heart failure is the end result of various cumulative stresses on the organ, stemming mainly from conditions such as high blood pressure and myocardial infarction—conditions that could be controlled,” says Egle.

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