Evolution of intensive cardiac care units over the past decade: A France nationwide observational database study comparing recent trends (2014–2023)

Background

The landscape of intensive cardiac care units has transformed greatly over recent decades, reflecting shifts in patient demographics, treatment modalities and healthcare practices. However, data characterizing these changes over time are limited.

Aim

To provide a detailed nationwide analysis of intensive cardiac care unit utilization in France.

Methods

This observational study analysed all intensive cardiac care unit admissions in France from 2014 to 2023, using data from the French national hospital discharge database (PMSI). Patient characteristics, admission patterns, procedures and outcomes were compared across years, contextualizing long-term changes in cardiac care.

Results

The study included 2,731,925 intensive cardiac care unit stays from 2014 to 2023. Long-term trends from 2014 showed a shift towards younger patients, shorter overall hospital stays (from 7.6 to 6.6 days) and an increase in non-surgical interventions (from 41.4% to 49.0%). Heart failure prevalence increased slightly (from 27.9% to 31.9%), whereas acute coronary artery disease remained stable (39.4% in 2014 and 38.3% in 2023). The in-hospital death rate was consistent at around 4%.

Conclusions

This comprehensive analysis highlights important long-term shifts in patient profiles and treatment approaches over the past decade. These findings provide crucial data for optimizing acute cardiac care delivery and resource allocation in the evolving landscape of intensive cardiac care.