Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Myocardial Infarction and Functional Outcome Assessment in Pigs
Published on: April 25, 2014
Coronary artery disease and outcome in acute congestive heart failure
L Purek1, K Laule-Kilian, A Christ
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Basel, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
Insights
Coronary artery disease (CAD) significantly increases mortality risk in patients with acute heart failure (HF). Even with optimal treatment, those with CAD face worse outcomes and lower survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute heart failure (HF) is a major cause of hospitalization and mortality.
- The role of coronary artery disease (CAD) as a prognostic factor in acute HF requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prognostic impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on mortality in patients presenting with acute heart failure (HF).
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 217 consecutive patients with acute HF.
- Follow-up of up to three years, observing treatment, hospitalization, revascularization, and survival.
- Cox regression analysis was used to assess the risk of death associated with CAD.
Main Results:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) was present in 71% of patients.
- Patients with CAD had significantly worse initial outcomes, including higher hospitalization rates and longer discharge times.
- CAD was associated with a significantly lower survival rate (48.7% at 720 days vs. 76.4% without CAD) and increased mortality risk (HR 2.57).
Conclusions:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a strong, independent predictor of mortality in acute heart failure (HF) patients.
- The low utilization of coronary angiography and revascularization procedures in this population warrants further investigation.
- Further research is needed to explore if less restrictive revascularization strategies can improve outcomes for acute HF patients with CAD.
Objectives:
To quantify the prognostic impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on patients with acute heart failure (HF).
Design:
Prospective cohort study of 217 consecutive patients presenting with acute HF to the emergency department. Treatment, hospitalisation, the use of revascularisation procedures, and survival were observed during follow up of up to three years.
Results:
CAD was present in 153 patients (71%). Patients with and without CAD were similar with respect to age and sex. Although adequate HF treatment was initiated more rapidly among patients with CAD, their initial outcomes including hospitalisation rate, time to discharge, and total treatment cost were significantly worse. Moreover, despite higher use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers during follow up, patients with CAD had a significantly lower survival rate. Cumulative survival at 720 days was 48.7% of patients with CAD as compared with 76.4% of patients without CAD (p = 0.0004). In Cox regression analysis the presence of CAD increased the risk of death by more than 250% (hazard ratio 2.57, 95% confidence interval 1.50 to 4.39, p = 0.001). This strong association persisted after multivariate adjustments. The use of coronary angiography and coronary revascularisation procedures was low, both at initial presentation and during follow up.
Conclusion:
CAD is a strong and independent predictor of mortality among patients with acute HF. Whether, for example, less restrictive use of revascularisation procedures in this elderly HF population can improve the outcome for patients with CAD warrants further study.
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...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Heart Failure V: Medical Management

