Characteristics of symptoms and symptom change across different heart failure subtypes: A sex-stratified analysis
Publication Details
Seckin, M.,
Johnston, B.,
Petrie, M. C.,
Stewart, S.,
&
Chan, Y.
(2023).
Characteristics of symptoms and symptom change across different heart failure subtypes: A sex-stratified analysis.
European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 22, 690-700.
Abstract
Aims: To examine sex-stratified differences in the association of left ventricular ejection fraction-based heart failure (HF) subtypes and the characteristics and correlates of self-reported changes in HF symptoms. Methods and results: We report a secondary data analysis from 528 hospitalized individuals diagnosed with HF characterised by a reduced, mildly reduced, or preserved ejection fraction [HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), or HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)] who completed 12-month follow-up within a multicentre disease management trial. There were 302 men (71.1 ± 11.9 years, 58% with HFrEF) and 226 women (77.1 ± 10.6 years, 49% with HFpEF). The characteristics of self-reported symptoms measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) at baseline and 12-month were analysed. At baseline, shortness of breath and fatigue predominated; with key differences according to HF subtypes in bilateral ankle oedema (both sexes), walking problems (women) and depressive symptoms (men). At 12-month follow-up, most KCCQ scores had not significantly changed. However, 25% of individuals reported worse symptom. In women, those with HFpEF had worse symptoms than those with HFmrEF/HFrEF (P = 0.025). On an adjusted basis, women [odds ratios (OR): 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–3.16 vs. men], those with coronary artery disease (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.21–3.31) and baseline acute pulmonary oedema (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.02–2.75) were most likely to report worsening symptoms. Among men, worsening symptoms correlated with a history of hypertension (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.07–4.35) and a non-English-speaking background (OR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.02–5.20). Conclusion: We found significant heterogeneity (with potential clinical implications) in the symptomatic characteristics and subsequent symptom trajectory according to the sex and HF subtype of those hospitalized with the syndrome. Trial Registration: ANZCTR12613000921785
Keywords
heart failure, symptom, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction, secondary data analysis
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