Haemodynamic determinants of quality of life in chronic heart failure

Abstract

Background Heart failure patients demonstrate reduced functional capacity, hemodynamic function, and quality of life (QOL) which are associated with high mortality and morbidity rate. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between functional capacity, hemodynamic response to exercise and QOL in chronic heart failure. Methods A single-centre prospective study recruited 42 chronic heart failure patients (11 females, mean age 60 ± 10 years) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF = 23 ± 7%). All participants completed a maximal graded cardiopulmonary exercise test with non-invasive hemodynamic (bioreactance) monitoring. QOL was assessed using Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. Results The average value of QOL score was 40 ± 23. There was a significant negative relationship between the QOL and peak O2 consumption (r = − 0.50, p ≤ 0.01). No significant relationship between the QOL and selected exercise hemodynamic measures was found, including peak exercise cardiac power output (r = 0.15, p = 0.34), cardiac output (r = 0.22, p = 0.15), and mean arterial blood pressure (r = − 0.08, p = 0.60). Conclusion Peak O2 consumption, but not hemodynamic response to exercise, is a significant determinant of QOL in chronic heart failure patients.

Sacubitril/valsartan for the treatment of non‐obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: An open label randomized controlled trial (SILICOFCM)

“…This is unsurprising considering over 90% of patients were in NYHA class I and II heart failure categories. However, relatively low functional capacity observed in the present study suggests that quality of life may be independent of peak exercise capacity unlike previously reported in heart failure patients 41 …”

“…However, relatively low functional capacity observed in the present study suggests that quality of life may be independent of peak exercise capacity unlike previously reported in heart failure patients. 41…”