Heart Attack and Stroke Deaths Decline in Irish Hospitals

A recent report from the National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA) reveals a significant decline in mortality rates for major health conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes, in Irish hospitals. The findings, which encompass data from 44 acute hospitals across the country, indicate improvements over the past decade, particularly in conditions where prompt medical intervention is crucial.

The report highlights that deaths following a heart attack have decreased from 58 per 1,000 hospital discharges in 2014 to 47 in 2023. Similarly, mortality rates for heart failure have improved, dropping from 82 per 1,000 to 72 per 1,000 during the same period. Notably, stroke care has experienced the most substantial gains, with the mortality rate for patients suffering an ischaemic stroke falling by 42 percent since 2014. This increase in survivability is particularly encouraging, as more individuals are being admitted with strokes, yet the overall outcomes have improved.

The report also indicates a decline in deaths from haemorrhagic strokes, continuing a downward trend observed since 2017. For Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and pneumonia, the data reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although mortality rates spiked during the pandemic’s peak, they have returned to pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, 38 per 1,000 hospitalised patients with COPD died, slightly up from 37 in 2014. Deaths from pneumonia, which surged to 140 per 1,000 in 2021, have decreased to 100 last year.

Hospital mortality rates overall demonstrate a similar trend, showing a steady decline until 2019, a rise during the pandemic, and a current downward trajectory.

Addressing Health Inequalities

Despite these positive outcomes, the report raises concerns regarding health inequalities. Initial attempts to correlate patient outcomes with factors such as age, sex, and medical card status suggest that disparities may exist. However, further data will be necessary to fully grasp the implications of these findings.

Dr. Brian Creedon, Clinical Director of NOCA, emphasized the importance of the audit in guiding hospitals towards targeted improvements. “While it is encouraging to see progress for conditions like heart attack and stroke, there is still work to do to address variations, enhance data quality and develop our understanding of potential inequalities,” he stated.

In agreement, Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the Health Service Executive (HSE), described the findings as evidence that timely medical interventions “are saving lives.”

These insights not only celebrate the strides made in critical care but also highlight the ongoing challenges faced within the healthcare system. As hospitals continue to adapt and improve, the focus remains on providing equitable care for all patients.