CLINICAL AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF HEART FAILURE - A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Heart Failure is the leading cause of death globally. It is responsible for 16% of the world’s total deaths. Since 2000, the largest increase in deaths has been for this disease, rising by more than 2 million to 8.9 million deaths in 2019. Clinically, Heart failure may present with varying symptoms and signs. To confirm the diagnosis of heart failure, 2D Echo is a simple non invasive imaging study which will confirm structural and functional abnormalities of the heart, hence the investigation of choice for diagnostic and prognostic value.

OBJECTIVES: Study of clinical profile in association with 2D echo in diagnosed patients of Heart failure.

METHODS: We had conducted a cross-sectional, observational, hospital-based study in 100 patients aged >18 years, of both genders, diagnosed with HF and willing to participate in the present study. Detailed demographic and clinical parameters with cardiac evaluation including 2D echo were done.

RESULTS: In our study, frequency of HF was higher among the patients aged between 41 to 60 years with male predominance. M:F was 1.7 :1. Fatigue was the most frequent symptom reported in 73% cases. 51% cases had left heart failure, 35% had right heart failure, and remaining patients had biventricular failure. Hypertension and diabetes were the commonest associated comorbid conditions. With respect to 2D echo, IHD was the commonest aetiology (35%), followed by dilated cardiomyopathy (32%). Majority of patients with EF< 40% belongs to NYHA class 3 & 4.

CONCLUSION: Frequency of HF was higher among the patients aged between 41 to 60 years with male predominance. Fatigue is the most common clinical symptom, followed by chest pain and dyspnoea. Left heart failure was more common followed by right heart failure and biventricular failure. Hypertension and diabetes were the commonest associated comorbid conditions. IHD and dilated cardiomyopathy were the most frequent causes of heart failure with respect to 2D echo. Majority of patients with EF<40% belongs to NYHA class 3 & 4. We found that as the severity of heart failure increases there are proportionate changes in the 2D Echo.

KEYWORDS:  Heart failure, NYHA, EF