Effects of left ventricular ejection fraction on outcomes in ambulatory chronic heart failure patients: A propensity score analysis

• Published in: Annals of epidemiology 2005-09, Vol.15 (8), p.647-647
• Main Authors: Ahmed, A., Perry, G.J., Love, T.E., Kitzman, D.W., Allman, R.M., Goff, D.C., Bourge, R.C., Dell'Italia, L.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1047-2797; 1873-2585
• DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2005.07.003

The effect of left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) independent of other covariates on heart failure (HF) outcomes is unknown. The objective of our study was to test the hypothesis that HF patients with EF > 45% have better outcomes compared with those with EF 45% with 2094 patients with EF 45% had a significant 19% decreased risk of death (unadjusted hazard ratio {HR} = 0.81; 95% confidence interval {CI} = 0.72–0.99) and a significant 32% reduced risk of hospitalization due to worsening HF (unadjusted HR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.57–0.81). Adjustment for covariates and propensity score did not alter these associations. HF patients with EF > 45% were more likely to be hospitalized due to unstable angina (unadjusted HR = 1.23.68; 95% CI = 0.99 – 1.53). Patients with EF > 45% had improved survival and reduced HF hospitalization. However, they had a higher risk for hospitalization due to unstable angina, underscoring the progressive nature of atherosclerosis and ischemia in these patients.