Left ventricular global function index: prognostic value in patients with heart failure aged 60 years and older

Left ventricular (LV) global function index (LVGFI) is a novel marker that incorporates the functional and structural characteristics of the LV. Aim . To evaluate the prognostic value of LVGFI in outpatients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) aged 60 years and older. Material and methods . The study included 78 patients (male, 42%) aged 74 (67-77) years with NYHA class II-III heart failure. LVGFI was defined as LV stroke volume/LV global volume х 100, where LV global volume was the sum of the LV mean cavity volume ((LV end-diastolic volume + LV end-systolic volume)/2) and myocardial volume (LV mass/ density). Results . The median LVGFI was 21,7% (interquartile range 19,3 to 22,9%). Higher NYHA class of HF was associated with worse LVGFI: class II HF was associated with LVGFI of 22,0 (20,3-23,1)%, class III HF — with 20,4 (17,5-22,4)%. During the 3—month (24-48) follow-up period, 15 (19,2%) patients died. Among patients with NYHA class II HF, 6 out of 61 (9,8%) died, with class III HF — 9 out of 17 (53,0%) (p21,1%, 4 out of 48 (8,3 %) died (p=0,016). Conclusion. Higher NYHA class of HF was associated with worse LVGFI. Patients with lower LVGFI have significantly lower survival. The optimal LVGFI cut-off point for the prediction of an unfavorable prognosis in patients with HFrEF aged 60 years was <21,1%.