What Do We Know About Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Poland in the Period 2016-2021 Based on Data From the Public Health System?

Registered annual incidence of HCM in Poland declined substantially over the study period.

• In 2016, registered annual incidence was 1,494 cases (3.89/100,000).
• By 2021, incidence decreased to 808 cases (2.11/100,000).
• This represents a decline of approximately 46% in new diagnoses over the six-year period.
• The study used data from the Polish National Health Fund database for this population-based cross-sectional analysis.

Despite declining new diagnoses, registered prevalence of HCM increased over the study period, indicating improved patient survival.

• Registered prevalence increased from 13,271 cases (34.53/100,000) in 2016 to 13,880 cases (36.23/100,000) in 2021.
• The authors interpreted the rising prevalence alongside declining incidence as indicating improved patient survival.
• The study covered the full Polish population using national health fund data from 2016 to 2021.

Annual mortality among HCM patients in Poland rose over the study period, with the highest mortality observed in older adults.

• Annual mortality rose from 824 deaths (2.14/100,000) in 2016 to 1,022 deaths (2.67/100,000) in 2021.
• The highest mortality was observed in older adults aged 60 years and above.
• This represents an increase of approximately 24% in absolute deaths and an increase from 2.14 to 2.67 per 100,000 in the mortality rate.

The study identified significant underdiagnosis of HCM in Poland.

• The registered prevalence of 36.23/100,000 in 2021 is substantially lower than estimates typically reported in international literature for HCM prevalence.
• The authors explicitly stated the study 'highlights significant underdiagnosis of HCM in Poland.'
• The declining incidence rate despite increasing prevalence suggests diagnostic gaps rather than a true reduction in disease burden.
• The study called for improvement in earlier detection and comprehensive care strategies in the Polish healthcare system.

The study analyzed patient pathways in the healthcare system, including comorbidities and therapeutic paths, using national health fund data.

• Data were drawn from the Polish National Health Fund database covering the period 2016-2021.
• Analysis included registered annual incidence, prevalence, mortality, prognosis, and data on patient pathways in the healthcare system.
• Comorbidities were included as part of the comprehensive characterization of the HCM population.
• The study design was a population-based cross-sectional study.