This study will use a two-stage random sampling design to create a nationally representative sample of patients with heart failure (HF) in China. The investigators sought to describe the clinical profiles, to assess treatment patterns and in-hospital outcomes for HF, and to identify targets for care quality improvement.

This study will use a two-stage random sampling design to create a nationally representative sample in China, and randomly sample patients with HF as a primary diagnosis, and were admitted to hospital from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2015. The sample size is estimated to be 10,000.

The investigators will collect photocopies of the sampled medical records and centrally abstract detailed information, which included demographic characteristics, medical history, clinical features, diagnostic tests, in-hospital procedures, lab tests, treatments, and in-hospital outcomes. Data abstraction quality was monitored by random auditing of 5% of the medical records, with overall variable accuracy exceeding 98%.

Analyses will examine patient characteristics, diagnostic testing patterns, in-hospital treatments, in-hospital outcomes, and variation in results across regions and hospitals. Practical guidelines, quality evaluative system, and risk model will be established based on the findings, to improve patient outcomes for HF in the future.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with heart failure as the primary reason for hospitalization, including both new-onset HF or decompensation of chronic HF。
• Hospitalized during January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2015
• Aged 18 years or above

Exclusion Criteria:

• None

Patient with primary reason for admission of heart failure, aged 18 years or above