Diagnostic and management challenges of severe heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in a patient with extreme morbid obesity: a case report

Background Morbid obesity is a growing global health crisis that significantly increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Patients with extreme obesity present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly in the management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Case presentation We report the case of a 29-year-old African American male with extreme morbid obesity (body mass index 84.62 kg/m2; weight 290 kg) who presented with chest pain, progressive dyspnea, orthopnea, and lower extremity edema. Laboratory evaluation revealed mildly elevated troponin levels and a brain natriuretic peptide of 176 pg/mL. Chest radiography demonstrated cardiomegaly with small bilateral pleural effusions. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe left ventricular dilation and reduced systolic function with an ejection fraction of 25–30%. Diagnostic evaluation for ischemic cardiomyopathy was severely limited due to institutional weight restrictions for cardiac catheterization, computed tomography, and nuclear stress testing. A wearable cardioverter-defibrillator was also not feasible due to chest circumference limitations. The patient was managed medically with intravenous diuretics and guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), including beta-blocker, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, and was discharged with close outpatient follow-up and aggressive weight reduction plan. Conclusion This case underscores significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in the management of heart failure among patients with extreme obesity. With the rising prevalence of severe obesity, it highlights the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure and more inclusive, tailored clinical strategies.