Abstract
Abstract only
Background:
Pulmonary hypertension is common in HFpEF and is associated with increased mortality. Pulmonary hypertension can lead to right ventricular systolic dysfunction. However, the magnitude and prognostic significance of RV dysfunction in the HFpEF population are unclear.
Hypothesis:
RV systolic dysfunction is common in HFpEF and is associated with increased mortality.
Methods:
RV size and systolic function were assessed qualitatively (as normal or abnormal) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was estimated using echocardiography in 548 consecutive HFpEF subjects (Framingham criteria and EF ≥50%) from a prospective population based study (Olmsted County, Minnesota). Control group was a retrospectively identified random sample of age and sex matched hypertensive (N=360) and normotensive subjects (N=168) from Olmsted County. HFpEF group was followed for up to 5 years (median follow up 4.4 years).
Results:
See table and figure. RV enlargement and systolic dysfunction were more prevalent in HFpEF compared with age and sex matched hypertensive and normotensive controls. In HFpEF subjects with PASP above the median, RV systolic dysfunction was associated with poor survival compared with normal RV function. RV systolic dysfunction was a significant predictor of mortality even after adjustment for age and PASP in a Cox regression model (Hazard Ratio=1.4, p=0.02).
Conclusions:
In the community, RV systolic dysfunction is common in HFpEF and is associated with higher mortality. Although quantitative assessment of RV function is difficult owing to its complex geometry, qualitative assessment is feasible on the majority of subjects and provides significant prognostic information.