A Prospective Study on Risk Factors and Management among Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients

Vithya Thirumoorthi, Jai Babu, Ishrat Jahan, Nehal Ahmad, Nishchitha Reddy MS, Jothi R

Abstract: Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with multiple cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities. Understanding its clinical characteristics and management patterns may support appropriate patient care. Objective: To evaluate the risk factors, clinical characteristics, and management patterns among hospitalized patients with HFpEF. Methods: A six-month prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Bangalore. Adult inpatients meeting the eligibility criteria were included. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, prescribed medications, and adverse drug reactions were assessed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among 3,863 hospital admissions, 71 patients (1.83%) met the study criteria for HFpEF. Most patients were older than 60 years (77.4%), and 63.4% were female. Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus were prominent comorbidities. Dyspnea and other cardiopulmonary symptoms were frequently reported. Most patients (84.5%) had a left ventricular ejection fraction between 50% and 55%. Laboratory investigations showed variable biomarker abnormalities. Management commonly involved antihypertensive medications, antiplatelet agents, statins, and combination therapies. Three patients (4.2%) experienced reported adverse drug reactions. Conclusion: HFpEF was predominantly observed among older adults, particularly women, with substantial cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidity. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing associated risk factors, reviewing medication patterns, and monitoring treatment safety in hospitalized patients.

Keywords: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; HFpEF; Risk factors; Comorbidities; Pharmacotherapy; Adverse drug reactions