[Temporal Trends and Demographic Profile of Hospital Discharges Associated with Aortic Valve Stenosis in Chile: 2001-2023].

Aortic stenosis is a common valvular heart disease, primarily associated with progressive sclerosis and calcification of the aortic valve. Its prevalence increases with age, and in the absence of effective pharmacological treatment, valve replacement remains the only therapeutic option in severe cases. In Chile, this condition is included in the Explicit Health Guarantees (GES) program as Health Problem No. 74, providing coverage for surgical interventions for chronic aortic valve disease. However, there is limited data on its healthcare burden and the actual implementation of the GES.

AIM To describe the demographic characteristics and temporal evolution of diagnoses and hospital discharges associated with GES No. 74.

METHODS Hospital discharges recorded in the database of the Department of Health Statistics and Information (DEIS) between 2001 and 2023 were analyzed, along with GES records since its implementation in 2013.

RESULTS A total of 39,366 hospital discharges related to GES No. 74 diagnoses were identified between 2001 and 2023, showing a sustained increase over time. Of these, 54% corresponded to ICD-10 code I350: aortic stenosis, with the most frequent age group being 60-69 years (28.6%). Since 2013, 13,478 cases were reported under the public insurance system (FONASA) and 2,048 under private insurers (ISAPREs).

CONCLUSION Aortic stenosis is the main cause of intervention under GES No. 74, with a growing number of cases over time. It is essential to monitor effective access to these services and better characterize the beneficiary population to guide health policy planning.