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

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.Graphical abstract
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research