Key result
Echo detects abnormalities in ~94% of symptomatic outpatients, most commonly increased LV wall thickness.
Why the study?
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is a major clinical condition, but its diverse presentation often hinders prompt diagnosis and management.
Observational (n=174)
No
Routine clinical attributes and echocardiographic screening in outpatient clinics can identify a high prevalence of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities suggestive of unrecognized HFpEF in symptomatic patients with cardiometabolic comorbidities.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Hypothesis-generating for unrecognized HFpEF screening in symptomatic outpatients; leaves open practice change pending prospective trials.
BACKGROUND: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasingly acknowledged as a major clinical condition, yet its diverse presentation often hinders prompt diagnosis and management. This study aims to identify clinical variables obtainable during routine outpatient visits that can help in recognizing subclinical and unrecognized HFpEF or those at risk of developing it. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed patient data from July 2022 to June 2023 at The University Health Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. Chart reviews were performed for patients seen in various outpatient clinics, focusing on those presenting with specific symptoms and comorbidities indicative of HFpEF. Data collected included demographics, vital signs, comorbidities, laboratory values, and echocardiographic findings. RESULTS: A total of 174 patients (mean age 60 ± 11 years) were included. The majority were female (53%) and White patients. Common comorbidities included hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Echocardiograms revealed that 93.5% of patients had at least one abnormality, with increased left ventricle (LV) wall thickness in 59.8% and abnormal LV relaxation in 28.7%. CONCLUSION: Symptoms such as dyspnea, exercise intolerance, exertional chest pain, and easy fatigability should prompt early referral to cardiology, particularly in middle-aged and older patients with the relevant comorbidities seen in this study. Incorporating these clinical indicators into electronic medical records can enhance early recognition and diagnosis of HFpEF, improving patient outcomes.
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Sawalha et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (n=174). Routine clinical attributes and echocardiographic evaluation was evaluated on Presence of at least one echocardiographic abnormality. Among 154 outpatients with symptoms such as dyspnea or fatigue who underwent echocardiography, 93.5% had at least one abnormality, such as increased left ventricular wall thickness (59.8%).
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