The H₂FPEF and HFA-PEFF algorithms for predicting exercise intolerance and abnormal hemodynamics in heart failure...

Exercise intolerance is a primary manifestation in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and is associated with abnormal hemodynamics and a poor quality of life. Two multiparametric scoring systems have been proposed to diagnose HFpEF. This study sought to determine the performance of the H₂FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores for predicting exercise capacity and echocardiographic findings of intracardiac pressures during exercise in subjects with dyspnea on exertion referred for bicycle stress echocardiography. In a subset, simultaneous expired gas analysis was performed to measure the peak oxygen consumption (VO₂). Patients with HFpEF (n = 83) and controls without HF (n = 104) were enrolled. The H₂FPEF score was obtainable for all patients while the HFA-PEFF score could not be calculated for 23 patients (feasibility 88%). Both H₂FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores correlated with a higher E/e' ratio (r = 0.49 and r = 0.46), lower systolic tricuspid annular velocity (r =  - 0.44 and =  - 0.24), and lower cardiac output (r =  - 0.28 and r =  - 0.24) during peak exercise. Peak VO₂ and exercise duration decreased with an increase in H₂FPEF scores (r =  - 0.40 and r =  - 0.32). The H₂FPEF score predicted a reduced aerobic capacity (AUC 0.71, p = 0.0005), but the HFA-PEFF score did not (p = 0.07). These data provide insights into the role of the H₂FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores for predicting exercise intolerance and abnormal hemodynamics in patients presenting with exertional dyspnea.