[The effects of implementation of heart failure guidelines in the Pordenone province: analysis of the results following databases of the regional health guide system].

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of heart failure guideline implementation in the Pordenone province area, by using the regional health system databases.

Methods: We created the provincial registry of hospitalization for heart failure and we defined a set of indicators to assess the adequate use of the hospital facility, the correct use of diagnostic instruments, the appropriate use of medications, the in-hospital, 6-month and 1-year mortality rates.

Results: Up to December 31, 2002, 2977 subjects, living in the Pordenone province area, were hospitalized for heart failure (10.