Pulmonary and right ventricular dysfunction are frequently present in heart failure irrespective of left ventricular...

Heart failure (HF) may influence the lungs and vice versa. However, this interaction and the influence on right ventricular function (RVF) are insufficiently described in patients with HF divided into the recent groups based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): HF with reduced, midrange and preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF, HFmrEF and HFpEF, respectively).

Overall, 186 consecutive stable patients with HF seen in our outpatient clinic were retrospectively divided into HFrEF (n=70), HFmrEF (n=55) and HFpEF (n=61). Airflow limitation and gas exchange disturbance were measured by spirometry (forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV₁/FVC) (%)) and diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Standard echocardiography was performed to measure RV structure (RV diameter) and function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP)). Correlations were used to assess possible relations between pulmonary dysfunction and measurements of the RV.

None of the investigated parameters differed significantly between the three groups (all p>0.1); FEV₁/FVC was 70%±12%, 70%±13% and 74%±10% in patients with HFrEF, HFmrEF and HFpEF (p=0.12) and DLCO was 5.7±1.6, 5.7±1.8 and 5.6±1.6 mmol/min/kPa, respectively (p=0.95). RV structure and function did not differ either (TAPSE/PASP 0.58, 0.60 and 0.57, respectively (p=0.84)). There was a correlation of DLCO with RV function (r=0.34, p<0.001).

The investigated cardiopulmonary parameters were comparable in the three HF groups. Diffusion capacity was impaired in more than half of the stable HF population independently of the LVEF and showed a correlation with RV function.