Heart Failure with Preserved vs. Reduced Ejection Fraction: Patient Characteristics, In-hospital Treatment and Mortality-DanAHF, a Nationwide Prospective Study

J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2024 Apr;17(2):265-274. doi: 10.1007/s12265-023-10385-7. Epub 2023 Apr 13.

Abstract

This study aims to describe baseline characteristics and in-hospital management of a patient cohort hospitalized with acute heart failure (AHF). Adult patients in Denmark admitted with a medical diagnosis during a 7-day period were reviewed for symptoms and clinical findings suggestive of AHF. HFpEF was defined as LVEF ≥ 45%. Of 5194 patients, 290 (6%) had AHF. Sixty-two percent (n = 179) was diagnosed with HFpEF. Compared to HFrEF patients, HFpEF patients were more often women (48% vs. 31%, p = 0.004), less likely to have ischemic heart disease (31% vs. 53%, p = 0.002) and a pacemaker/ICD (7% vs. 21%, p < 0.001/1% vs. 8%, p < 0.001). Fewer HFpEF patients received intravenous diuretics (43% vs. 73%, p < 0.001) and inotropes (2% vs. 7%, p = 0.02), while more HFpEF patients received nitro-glycerine (59% vs. 44%, p = 0.02). Intubation/NIV, ICU admission, and revascularization were used similarly. Hospitalization was shorter for HFpEF patients (4 vs. 6 days, p < 0.001), with no significant difference in survival to discharge (96% vs. 91%, p = 0.07). Of AHF admissions, nearly two-thirds was due to HFpEF. Compared to HFrEF, HFpEF patients had a lower cardiac comorbidity and a 2-day shorter hospitalization.

Keywords: Acute Heart Failure; HFpEF; HFrEF; Outcome; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comparative Study
  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Denmark / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Heart Failure* / diagnosis
  • Heart Failure* / mortality
  • Heart Failure* / physiopathology
  • Heart Failure* / therapy
  • Hospital Mortality
  • Humans
  • Length of Stay
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Registries
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Stroke Volume*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Function, Left*

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