AUTHOR=Niemiec Małgorzata , Stec Maria , Grzybowski Jacek , Cegłowska Urszula , Wiśniewska Anna , Hałgas Kacper , Czepczor Kinga , Podolski Maciej , Gruchlik Bartosz , Orzeł-Łomozik Gabriela , Cieśla Daniel , Gąsior Mariusz , Hryniewiecki Tomasz , Leszek Przemysław , Caforio Alida L. P. , Mizia-Stec Katarzyna 
  
TITLE=What Do We Know About Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Poland in the Period 2016–2021 Based on Data From the Public Health System?
  
JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health
  
VOLUME=Volume 71 - 2026
  
YEAR=2026
  
URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1608693
  
DOI=10.3389/ijph.2026.1608693
  
ISSN=1661-8564
  
ABSTRACT=ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to comprehensively characterize the population of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients in Poland in 2016–2021, including the analysis of annual incidence, prevalence, comorbidities, and therapeutic paths.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Polish National Health Fund database. The analysis included a registered annual incidence and prevalence rates, mortality, prognosis, and data on patients pathways in the healthcare system.ResultsIn 2016, the registered annual incidence of HCM diagnosis in Poland was 1,494 cases (3.89/100,000), decreasing to 808 cases (2.11/100,000) in 2021. Despite the decline in new diagnoses, the registered prevalence of HCM increased from 13,271 cases (34.53/100,000) in 2016 to 13,880 cases (36.23/100,000) in 2021, indicating improved patient survival. Annual mortality rose from 824 deaths (2.14/100,000) in 2016 to 1,022 deaths (2.67/100,000) in 2021, with the highest mortality observed in older adults (60+ years).ConclusionThe study highlights significant underdiagnosis of HCM in Poland. Mortality in HCM population remains high, underscoring the need for improvement in earlier detection and comprehensive care strategies in Polish healthcare system.