Systolic Strain Abnormalities to Predict Hospital Readmission in Patients With Heart Failure and Normal Ejection...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Echocardiography
• Heart Failure Research

Background:

• The pathogenesis of heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) remains incompletely understood.
• Subtle systolic function abnormalities are hypothesized to contribute to HFNEF.
• Investigating systolic strain and strain rate as potential markers for adverse outcomes in HFNEF.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role of systolic strain and strain rate in predicting hospital readmission for HFNEF.
• To identify echocardiographic markers associated with adverse outcomes in HFNEF patients.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 100 consecutive patients with new-onset HFNEF (left ventricular ejection fraction > 50%).
• Exclusion of patients with myocardial infarction, severe valvular disease, or severe left ventricular hypertrophy.
• Measurement of average peak systolic strain and strain rate using off-line grey scale imaging.
• Comparison of systolic parameters and E/e' between readmitted and readmission-free patient groups.

Main Results:

• Systolic strain and strain rates were reduced in HFNEF patients compared to controls, but did not differ significantly between readmitted and readmission-free groups.
• Readmitted patients showed significantly higher E/e' ratios compared to those free from readmission (14.5 vs. 11.0, P=0.013).
• Elevated E/e' was identified as an independent predictor of HFNEF readmission (OR 1.189, P=0.021).

Conclusions:

• Reduced systolic strain and strain rates in HFNEF patients do not predict hospital readmission.
• Elevated E/e' is a significant independent predictor of readmission in patients with HFNEF.
• E/e' may serve as a valuable prognostic marker for HFNEF management and risk stratification.