Characteristics of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in primary care: a cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

BackgroundMany patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are undiagnosed, and UK general practice registers do not typically record HF sub-type. Improvements in management of HFpEF is dependent on improved identification and characterisation of patients in primary care.AimsTo describe a cohort of patients recruited from primary care with suspected HFpEF and compare patients in whom HFpEF was confirmed and refuted.Design and SettingBaseline data from a longitudinal cohort study of patients with suspected HFpEF recruited from primary care in two areas of England.MethodsA screening algorithm and review were used to find patients on HF registers without a record of reduced ejection fraction. Baseline evaluation included cardiac, mental and physical function, clinical characteristics and patient reported outcomes. Confirmation of HFpEF was clinically adjudicated by a cardiologist.ResultsNinety-three (61%) of 152 patients were confirmed HFpEF. The mean age of patients with HFpEF was 79.3, 46% were female, 80% had hypertension, and 37% took 10 or more medications. Patients with HFpEF were more likely to be obese, pre-frail/frail, report more dyspnoea and fatigue, were more functionally impaired, and less active than patients in whom HFpEF was refuted. Few had attended cardiac rehabilitation.ConclusionsPatients with confirmed HFpEF had frequent multimorbidity, functional impairment, frailty and polypharmacy. Although comorbid conditions were similar between people with and without HFpEF, the former had more obesity, symptoms and worse physical function. These findings highlight the potential to optimise well-being through comorbidity management, medication rationalisation, rehabilitation, and supported self-management.

Delivering effective, comprehensive, multi-exercise component cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for chronic heart failure patients in low resource settings in sub-Saharan Africa: Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital—(QECH-CR) randomised CR study, Malawi

“…Similarly, the short walked distance (6MWD) recorded in the current study (mean 268 m) is somewhat lower than reported within earlier findings (273-318m) [42,43] and may correspond with referral for severity of symptoms. Participants recruited to Wolsk et al [43] and Forsyth et al [42] investigations were considerably older (67-79 years).…”

Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

“…In patients with confirmed HFpEF, pulmonary disease (obstructive or restrictive lung disease; approximately 30%), anemia (approximately 50%), frailty (up to 50%), and atrial fibrillation (approximately 40% at diagnosis) are common . Evaluating patients with dyspnea and HF risk factors for HFpEF, even if they have comorbid conditions, is important because multifactorial dyspnea is common and specific therapy for HFpEF exists.…”