Factors associated with heart failure severity and mortality in Butembo between 2021 and 2023

Heart failure is a syndrome with high morbidity and mortality, influenced by various regional factors.

This study aimed to enhance heart failure management by identifying factors that can improve the quality of life and survival of patients in eastern DR Congo.

Conducted from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, this descriptive analytical study included 156 heart failure patients (mean age 62 ± 15), comprising 80 males and 76 females. Each patient was followed for 12 months.

The frequency of heart failure was 17.5 % (156 out of 2732 patients) at the cardiology center. Severity correlated with the use of indigenous anti-poison products (p 0.000) and valvular heart disease (p 0.000). Mortality was notably influenced by indigenous anti-poison product use (41.2 % mortality; p 0.000), duration of diabetes (≤ 1 year 7.4 %; 2-5 years 11.1 %; > 5 years 33.3 %; p 0.014), dilated cardiomyopathy (18.9 % vs. 1.2 % for non-dilated; p 0.000), and valvular heart disease (17.5 % vs. 1.3 %; p 0.003). Mortality rates varied by heart failure phenotype (HFrEF 30.9 %, HFmEF 5.1 %, HFpEF 0.0 %; p 0.000) and severity (NYHA IV 55.6 % vs. NYHA I and II 0.0 %).

Indigenous anti-poison products and rheumatic valvular heart disease contribute to the worsening and premature death of heart failure patients. Addressing these factors may improve patient survival in this region.