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Gender, age, and heart failure with preserved left ventricular systolic function
Frederick A Masoudi1, Edward P Havranek, Grace Smith
1Denver Health Medical Center, Division of Cardiology, Colorado 80204, USA. fred.masoudi@uchsc.edu
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|January 22, 2003
Summary
Women are significantly more likely than men to experience heart failure (HF) with preserved systolic function. This finding holds true even after accounting for age and other clinical factors in elderly patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Prior studies suggest women have preserved left ventricular systolic function (LVSF) in heart failure (HF), but were limited by biases and small sample sizes.
- This study addresses limitations by analyzing a large national sample and adjusting for numerous confounders.
Discussion:
- The study utilized a cross-sectional design with data from Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for HF.
- Multivariable logistic regression identified correlates of preserved LVSF, defined as ejection fraction ≥0.50 or qualitatively normal function.
- Stratified regressions examined gender-specific interactions.
Key Insights:
- Preserved LVSF was present in 35% of 19,710 HF patients, predominantly women (79%).
- Female gender remained strongly associated with preserved LVSF (RR=1.71) after adjusting for age and other factors.
- This association was consistent across age groups and comorbidities.
Outlook:
- Preserved systolic function in elderly HF patients is predominantly a female condition.
- Further research may explore underlying biological or clinical factors contributing to this gender disparity.
- Findings can inform targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HF in women.