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.

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