Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Background: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a global health burden affecting millions worldwide, particularly among resource constrained communities. Information is limited regarding addative prognostic relations of sex -, age- and racial- differences, myocardial mechanics and biomarkers, in HFrEF.
Aim: Assess prognostic implications of sex-, age- and racial- related disparity in HFrEF; and additive prognostic implications of these parameters to other markers including echocardiography (myocardial mechanics).
Methodology: The HFrEF patients’ data were prospectively evaluated during the initial assessment and those hospitalized, and subseguently followed for at least 12months. Patients' KCCQ and EQ-5D-5L Questionnaires were assessed during the initial evaluation and follow-up. Sex, age and racial/ethnic disparities, in-hospital management, follow-ups, health status and 1year mortality were assessed. These parameters were further assessed in addition to biomakers and echocardiographic parameters including LV and RV systolic and distolic strain. Multivariable Cox regression models were fitted to investigate additive prognostic differences.
Results: The study population consisted mainly of blacks and major factors were hypertension, diabetes, mitral valve disease, and older age (p<0.0001). Of the initial 2642 screened, only 1883 completed the 1year follow-up visit (mean LVEF 38%). Women were likely to have hypertension, atrial fibrillation and diabetes (p<.001). Rheumatic or valvular heart diseases were more commonly identified among younger, black ethnicity, and males patients. No demonstrated sex differences in functional class and biomarkers including NT-proBNP levels. Men demonstrated significant risk for one-year mortality than women, as was black ethnicity and older age. Impaired strain parameters (RV>LV systolic) were independent risk factors for poor survival, more so when added to sex, racial ethnicity, age and biomarkers i.e. the NT-proBNP levels.
Conclusion: The prevalence of HFrEF was higher than anticipated. Men, black ethnicity and older age were associated with a high one-year mortality. Impaired strain (RV>LV systolic) parameters were independent risk factors for poor survival, with additive prognostic implications to sex, racial ethnicity, age and traditional biomarkers. These parameters should be assessed routunely to risk stratify HFrEF patients earlier during their disease course.