Readmission Risk Factors and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Internal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) exacerbations significantly impact patient quality of life and incur substantial healthcare costs.
• Identifying predictors of readmission is crucial for managing HFpEF and mitigating its economic burden.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors associated with hospital readmission in patients diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of electronic health records for patients with HFpEF (NYHA Class II-IV or ACC/AHA Stage B-D) treated between August 2017 and March 2018.
• Analysis included demographics, comorbidities (e.g., peripheral vascular disease, anemia, pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmia, valvular heart disease), and readmission rates at 30 and 90 days.
• Risk stratification was performed using the LACE index and Charlson comorbidity index.

Main Results:

• Of 212 included patients, 21.2% were readmitted within 90 days, with 71.1% of those readmissions occurring within 30 days.
• Higher LACE and Charlson scores correlated with increased 90-day readmission risk.
• Peripheral vascular disease, tricuspid regurgitation, pulmonary hypertension, and anemia were significant risk factors for readmission (P=.002, P=.001, P=.049, P=.029, respectively).
• Use of ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEi/ARBs) was associated with fewer readmissions (P=.017).

Conclusions:

• Anemia, peripheral vascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, and valvular heart disease are significant risk factors for HFpEF readmission.
• These findings highlight the need for further research into HFpEF pathophysiology and associated comorbidities to enhance patient care and reduce healthcare expenditures.