Evaluation of the relationship between end-tidal carbon dioxide level and heart failure classification

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) is a critical condition characterized by cardiac dysfunction, with significant morbidity and mortality.
• The New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification system stratifies HF severity based on symptoms and physical limitations.
• End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) monitoring offers insights into respiratory and metabolic status, with potential applications in various cardiorespiratory diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between ETCO2 levels and NYHA functional classification in patients with heart failure.
• To explore the utility of ETCO2 as a potential biomarker for HF severity.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 80 heart failure patients was recruited from an adult emergency department.
• Patients were categorized into NYHA heart failure stages.
• Measurements included ETCO2 levels, ejection fraction (EF), and pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) levels.

Main Results:

• Significantly lower ETCO2 levels and ejection fraction were observed in NYHA Stage 4 heart failure patients compared to other stages.
• Pro-BNP levels were significantly elevated in Stage 4 patients relative to other NYHA classifications.
• A correlation was established between declining ETCO2 and increasing heart failure severity.

Conclusions:

• ETCO2 levels demonstrate a significant relationship with heart failure severity as defined by the NYHA classification.
• ETCO2, in conjunction with pro-BNP and EF, may serve as a valuable tool for assessing heart failure severity.
• Further research can validate ETCO2's role in routine HF management.