Factors affecting prolonged hospital stay in a case of heart failure: a cross-sectional study

Defects in the structure and function of the heart that result in reduced blood flow are hallmarks of heart failure (HF), a severe public health issue. Although the prognosis has improved, HF causes lengthy hospital stays, which reduces the quality of life and increases health-care costs. Identifying factors linked to prolonged hospitalization can reduce readmission and death rates.

This study aimed to identify the factors influencing extended hospital stay in patients with HF.

Based on the clinical criteria, we conducted a prospective observational study at a tertiary care hospital between April 2022 and April 2023, involving 126 patients diagnosed with HF. Echocardiographic, laboratory, and clinical data were collected and analyzed. The average length of stay (LOS) was calculated, and associations with various factors were assessed using independent t-tests and Fisher's exact test.

The average age of patients was 71.7 ± 11.2 years, with a mean LOS of 8.5 ± 4.1 days. Hypertension (n = 81) was the most prevalent comorbidity and was significantly associated with prolonged LOS (P = 0.015). Anemia was also associated with prolonged stays, with hemoglobin levels significantly lower in participants with LOS ≥ 7 days (P = 0.007). Increased serum creatinine (P = 0.0010) and NT-pro BNP levels (P = 0.006) were also associated with extended stays. In-hospital mortality was 4%, with no significant association with the LOS.

Elevated N-terminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptide levels, along with hypertension, anemia, and renal impairment, significantly contribute to prolonged hospital stay in patients with HF. Understanding these factors can improve clinical management and optimize resource allocation. Early management of symptoms and other clinical parameters are the key for regressing pathophysiology of HF, decreasing length of hospitalization and reducing mortality.