Progression of preserved systolic function heart failure to systolic dysfunction -- a natural history study

To assess the natural history of left ventricular (LV) structure and function in sequential heart failure admissions with preserved systolic function.

Heart failure (HF) with preserved LV systolic function accounts for between 20% and 30% of typical HF populations. Few data are available concerning the natural history of structural and functional changes in the LV in this patient population.

We consented sequential admissions from the community with confirmed heart failure to participate in this study. Doppler-echocardiography was used to assess Ejection Fraction (EF), LV structure, regional wall motion and parameters of diastolic function including E:A ratio, E-wave deceleration time (DtE) and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT). Follow-up echocardiography was carried out at three months (mean 103+/-13 days) from discharge.

Of 210 sequential admissions with primary heart failure 56 had preserved systolic function (LVEF> or =45%). Follow-up data at three months were available in 38 patients (mean age 72 years) with preserved LV systolic function. Of the group, 9 had been admitted within three months of discharge, 5 for recurrent HF. Eight patients (21%) exhibited significant decline in LV systolic function at follow-up, all with LVEF<45%. Three exhibited regional wall-motion abnormalities with the remainder showing dilatation and global reduction in function. None of these eight had presented to hospital for any cause other than routine outpatient department (OPD) visits during the 3 months.

Patients with preserved systolic function HF, a significant number may progress to systolic dysfunction with or without clinical events.