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Usefulness of a combination of systolic function by left ventricular ejection fraction and diastolic function by E/E'

Kumiko Hirata1, Eiichi Hyodo, Takeshi Hozumi

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan. hiratakumiko@aol.com

The American Journal of Cardiology
|May 2, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A new heart failure (HF) index combining left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the E/E' ratio effectively identifies patients at high risk for rehospitalization or cardiac death.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Heart Failure Research

Background:

  • Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a conventional heart failure (HF) predictor.
  • The E/E' ratio, reflecting LV filling pressures, is also a key prognostic indicator in HF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prognostic value of a novel combined index using LVEF and the E/E' ratio in HF patients.
  • To identify patients at higher risk for adverse cardiovascular events.

Main Methods:

  • 110 HF patients underwent echocardiography upon discharge.
  • Patients were stratified into four groups based on LVEF (>40% or ≤40%) and E/E' ratio (>15 or <15).
  • Prognostic value was assessed by tracking rehospitalization for HF or cardiac death.

Main Results:

  • Group IV (LVEF ≤40% and E/E' ratio ≥15) emerged as the most potent independent predictor of adverse events.
  • Group IV patients faced a significantly higher risk (hazard ratio 12.6) of rehospitalization or cardiac death.
  • Univariate analysis also identified E/E' ratio, E', and age as significant predictors.

Conclusions:

  • A combined index of LVEF and E/E' ratio offers superior risk stratification in HF patients.
  • This new index aids in identifying high-risk individuals for targeted management and improved outcomes.
  • The study highlights the prognostic significance of integrating diastolic and systolic function parameters.

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