A recent study in France found that 40% of heart failure patients do not see a cardiologist at least once per year. The pattern was associated with a much higher risk of death, while just one annual visit to a cardiologist was linked to a 6-9% reduction in the 1 year mortality rate for heart failure patients.
In addition, patients who had recently been hospitalized for heart failure experienced a 38% reduction in the 1 year mortality rate if they had 4 annual cardiology visits compared to those who had none.
Groups which were less likely to receive cardiology consultations included female patients, the elderly, and those with a higher disadvantaged socioeconomic index. The study’s findings highlight the importance of cardiology follow-up care, and its authors encourage patients to ask for a cardiology review especially if they have recently been in the hospital or are taking diuretics.
Sources:
40% of Patients With Heart Failure Don’t See Cardiologist Annually, Increasing Risk of Death. The American Journal of Managed Care. Published June 19, 2025. Accessed August 11, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/two-in-5-patients-with-heart-failure-don-t-see-cardiologist-annually-increasing-risk-of-death
Baudry G, Pereira O, Roubille F, et al. Cardiologist follow-up and improved outcomes of heart failure: a French nationwide cohort. Eur Heart J. Published online May 18, 2025. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf218