Prognostic factors on mortality in patients admitted to hospital with heart failure

Abstract

Background. Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hos-pitalization for aging populations in Western countries, and is showing an increasing mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the probable long-term mortality risk factors for patients admitted because of HF. Methods. Retrospective study of a cohort of 202 patients consecutively hospitalized because of HF and followed up for a maximum period of 5 years. Clinical and epidemio-logical factors and their relationship to in-hospital and long-term mortality were analyzed. Results. In-hospital mortality was 16%.The independent predictors were: age >75 years (HR = 2.68, 95% IC: 1.65-4.36, p = 0.001); cognitive impairment (HR = 2.77, 95% IC: 1.40-5.48, p = 0.004); Barthel index ≥60 (HR = 0.54, 95% IC: 0.37-0.78, p = 0,009); creatinine levels >1.16 mg/dl at admission (HR = 1.57, 95% IC: 1.12-2.20, p = 0.009); and number of diagnostics >10 on discharge (HR = 1. 64, 95% IC: 1.14-2.36, p = 0.007). Accumulated mortality at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months after hospital discharge were 43%, 51%, 67% and 70%, respectively; the independent predictors for this were: age >75 years (HR = 2.55, 95% IC: 1.56-4.15, p <0.001); cognitive impairment (HR = 2.45, 95% IC: 1.22-4.90, p = 0.011); creatinine levels >1.16 mg/dl on admission (HR = 1.59, 95% IC: 1.12-2.24, p = 0.009); systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg on admission (HR = 0.56, 95% IC: 0.40-0.80, p <0.001); and number of diagnostics >10 on discharge (HR = 1. 49, 95% IC: 1.03-2.16, p = 0.033). Conclusions. Clinical and epidemiological factors related to in-hospital and long-term mortality could help to im-prove the management of patients with HF.