Phenotype-Specific Outcome and Treatment Response in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction with Comorbid Hypertension and Diabetes: A 12-Month Multicentered Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Despite evidence of SGLT2 inhibitors in improving cardiovascular outcomes of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), the heterogenous mechanism and characteristic multimorbidity of HFpEF require a phenotypic approach. Metabolic phenotype, one common HFpEF phenotype, has various presentations and prognoses worldwide. We aimed to identify different phenotypes of hypertensive-diabetic HFpEF, their phenotype-related outcomes, and treatment responses. The primary endpoint was time to the first event of all-cause mortality or hospitalization for heart failure (HHF). Among 233 recruited patients, 24.9% experienced primary outcomes within 12 months. A total of 3.9% was lost to follow-up. Three phenotypes were identified. Phenotype 1 (n = 126) consisted of lean, elderly females with chronic kidney disease, anemia, and concentric hypertrophy. Phenotype 2 (n = 62) included younger males with coronary artery disease. Phenotype 3 (n = 45) comprised of obese elderly with atrial fibrillation. Phenotype 1 and 2 reported higher primary outcomes than phenotype 3 (p = 0.002). Regarding treatment responses, SGLT2 inhibitor was associated with fewer primary endpoints in phenotype 1 (p = 0.003) and 2 (p = 0.001). RAAS inhibitor was associated with fewer all-cause mortality in phenotype 1 (p = 0.003). Beta blocker was associated with fewer all-cause mortality in phenotype 1 (p = 0.024) and fewer HHF in phenotype 2 (p = 0.011). Our pioneering study supports the personalized approach to optimize HFpEF management in hypertensive-diabetic patients.