Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Reduction in Left Ventricular Wall Stress and Improvement in Function in Failing Hearts using Algisyl-LVR
Published on: April 8, 2013
Survival of elderly men with congestive heart failure
G E Taffet1, T A Teasdale, A J Bleyer
1Huffington Centre on Aging M-320, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.
Insights
Congestive heart failure (CHF) significantly impacts survival in elderly patients, particularly within the first year post-diagnosis. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) did not influence survival rates in this older male CHF cohort.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a leading discharge diagnosis for elderly individuals.
- Recent survival data for elderly CHF patients, specifically considering left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), is limited.
- Understanding survival outcomes is crucial for managing this prevalent condition in older populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report recent survival data for elderly male patients (≥75 years) diagnosed with CHF.
- To investigate the impact of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on the survival of these patients.
- To compare the survival experience of elderly CHF patients with age- and sex-matched population data.
Main Methods:
- A patient database was screened for CHF diagnoses in men aged ≥75 years with LVEF data and a minimum 3-year follow-up.
- Life-table analysis was used to compare CHF patient survival with 1980 US Census data.
- Causes of death were determined through autopsy, medical records, or death certificates.
Main Results:
- Ninety-four elderly men met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 82.5 years at CHF onset.
- Forty-three percent of patients had an LVEF ≥0.45; no significant difference in aetiologies was found between LVEF groups.
- CHF patients exhibited worse survival than controls for the first 5 years, driven by a 28% first-year mortality. LVEF did not impact survival.
Conclusions:
- Elderly male CHF patients face significantly reduced survival, especially in the first year post-diagnosis.
- Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) does not appear to be a significant prognostic factor for survival in this elderly male CHF cohort.
- Further research may be warranted to explore other factors influencing survival in elderly CHF patients.
Abstract:
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the most common discharge diagnosis for elderly patients. The survival of elderly (age greater than or equal to 75 years) patients with CHF has not recently been reported, especially with reference to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). A patient database was searched for the diagnosis of CHF and then screened for age greater than or equal to 75, Framingham Criteria for CHF and an LVEF evaluation. Ninety-four men fitted all criteria, including a minimum potential follow-up of 3 years. Life-table analysis was employed to compare their survival experience to an expected survival based on a sex- and age-equivalent subset of the 1980 Census data. Causes of death were determined from autopsy, medical records or death certificates. Mean age at onset of CHF was 82.5. Forty-three per cent had an LVEF greater than or equal to 0.45. There was no difference in the prevalence of potential aetiologies between those with LVEF greater than or equal to 0.45 versus LVEF less than 0.45. Life-table analysis revealed that CHF patients had a worse survival than controls for the first 5 years after diagnosis, attributable primarily to a high first-year mortality (28%) for the CHF group. There was no difference in survival between the LVEF greater than or equal to 0.45 and LVEF less than 0.45 groups.
More Related Videos
12:59Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
09:12Surgical Swine Model of Chronic Cardiac Ischemia Treated by Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Published on: March 27, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care