Early diagnosis HFpEF, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in cardiomyopathy, a chance to treat and reduce morbidity and mortality

Abstract

Background: Cardiomyopathy as a diagnosis almost signifies a kind of end stage disease of the myocardium. With conditions like hypertension, diabetes and ischemic heart disease on the rise, we are seeing a large number of cases diagnosed as cardiomyopathy, most common presenting feature being Heart failure. Echocardiography (ECG), is non-invasive and easily available and can pick up early signs of failure in the form of diastolic and systolic dysfunction. To study patients with cardiac symptoms, by clinical, ECG, and Echocardiography parameters.Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study of 50 patients aged 18-80 years with cardiac symptoms (dyspnoea, palpitations, pedal odema) was carried out over a period of 3 years in a semi-urban Medical College Hospital in Western Maharashtra. Patients of Acute coronary disease, valvular and congenital heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were excluded from the study. Data collected, tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis.Results: Our study of 50 patients had 50% Diabetic and 42% Hypertensive patients. 2D echo findings were clinically significant in the form of diastolic dysfunction (36%), systolic dysfunction (12%). Ejection fraction (EF) was significantly reduced, in most patients, but 4% patients had HFpEF, i.e. EF=55% and 24% had EF between 30-55%Conclusions: Our study of 50 patients of Cardiomyopathy had more hypertensives and diabetics, and most of them less than 60 years of age and mostly male. HFpEF was detected in 4% and 76% had EF30-60% and 24% had EF<30%. Diastolic dysfunction was diagnosed in more than half and systolic dysfunction in few on ECG.