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Normal left ventricular ejection fraction in older persons with congestive heart failure
1Hebrew Hospital Home, Bronx, NY 10475, USA.
Chest
|April 29, 1998
Summary
In older patients with heart failure, normal left ventricular ejection fraction is linked to female gender, older age, and absence of prior myocardial infarction. These factors are key predictors in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) in older adults is a significant health concern.
- Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a crucial measure of cardiac function.
- Understanding factors influencing normal LVEF in CHF patients is vital for prognosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and clinical factors in elderly patients with CHF.
- To identify independent predictors of normal LVEF in this specific patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 572 elderly patients (>60 years) with CHF.
- Patients had a history of myocardial infarction or hypertension.
- Two-dimensional echocardiograms were used to assess LVEF.
Main Results:
- Normal LVEF (≥50%) was observed in 50% of the study population.
- Independent predictors for normal LVEF included female gender (OR=1.978), older age (OR=1.029), and absence of prior myocardial infarction (OR=3.048).
- A significantly higher proportion of women (56%) had normal LVEF compared to men (37%).
Conclusions:
- Normal LVEF in older CHF patients is associated with female gender, advanced age, and lack of prior myocardial infarction.
- These findings highlight specific demographic and clinical characteristics that correlate with preserved systolic function in elderly CHF patients.