Differences in clinical presentation between heart failure patients with reduced and preserved ejection fraction – analysis of the INTELHEART database

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a major global health issue with significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Differentiating between heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is essential for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with HFrEF and HFpEF. METHODS: This retrospective, multicentre study included 2156 patients diagnosed with HF between 2003 and 2023 across four Serbian medical institutions. Patients were classified into HFrEF (LVEF <40%) or HFpEF (LVEF ≥50%) groups. Patients with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) were excluded. Clinical symptoms, comorbidities, laboratory findings, and echocardiographic data were analysed and compared between groups. RESULTS: ). HFpEF patients had higher rates of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and obesity, while HFrEF patients more frequently had prior myocardial infarction and valvular disease. NT-proBNP, troponin, and CRP levels were significantly higher in HFrEF. Echocardiography showed greater left ventricular dilation and dysfunction in HFrEF, while HFpEF patients had preserved systolic but impaired diastolic function. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in demographic, clinical, and diagnostic profiles exist between HFrEF and HFpEF patients. Understanding these distinctions may enhance early recognition, risk stratification, and tailored therapeutic strategies for each phenotype.