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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Published on: February 13, 2021
Myocardial degradation and left bundle branch block predict conversion to low ejection fraction in heart failure with
George O Angheloiu1, Mouyyad Rahaby, Randall C Starling
1Kaufman Center for Heart Failure, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA. angheloiu@pol.net
Insights
Left bundle branch block (LBBB) and elevated troponin T (tnT) indicate myocardial degradation, predicting systolic conversion to low ejection fraction (EF) in heart failure with preserved systolic function patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Heart Failure Research
Background:
- Heart failure with preserved systolic function (HFPSF) affects numerous patients, with some progressing to reduced ejection fraction (EF).
- Predictors for this systolic conversion in HFPSF patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if left bundle branch block (LBBB) and elevated troponin T (tnT) predict systolic conversion to low EF (
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 30 consecutive HFPSF patients with non-significant coronary disease.
- Follow-up EF assessment over 4 years in 25 patients.
- Analysis of LBBB and tnT levels as predictors of EF decline.
Main Results:
- Six of 15 patients with tnT >or=0.01 ng/mL converted to low EF, versus none of 10 with tnT <0.01 ng/mL (P=.03).
- Five of 6 converters had LBBB, compared to 1 of 19 non-converters (P=.0007).
- Four converters had initial EF >50%.
Conclusions:
- Myocardial degradation (elevated tnT) and LBBB are significant predictors of systolic conversion to low EF in HFPSF patients.
- These findings aid in identifying HFPSF patients at higher risk for adverse systolic function changes.
Abstract:
The authors prospectively investigated whether left bundle branch block (LBBB) and myocardial degradation as indicated by elevated troponin T (tnT) predict the phenomenon of systolic conversion to low ejection fraction (EF
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