were conducted in South America (92%), particularly in Brazil (64%). The mean age was 60 ± 9 years and the mean ejection fraction was 36 ± 9%. Most studies evaluated more than one etiology (79%) but the etiology more studies exclusively was Chagas disease (13%). The incidence of HF ranged from 199 to 557 cases per 100,000 person-years and the pooled prevalence was 1%, being higher in older populations. Hospitalization rates in patients with HF ranged from 28 to 31% at different time points, and the median length of stay was 7.0 days. In-hospital mortality was 11.7%, being higher in patients with worse ejection fraction, with ischemic and with Chagas disease. Mortality at one year was 24.52% (95%CI 19.42 to 30.02). ConClusions: This SR of HF in Latin America, could help decision-makers to design better preventive strategies, and guide effective patient-centered care.

No abstract