Clinical Article
Characteristics and Outcome of Acute Heart Failure Patients in Egypt
Sameh Hozayen, Nabil Farag, Sameh.Sabet, Ramy Raymond, Mohammed El Ramly, Amr Hassan and Wael El Naggar
Background: The aim of
this study is to define the characteristics, and outcome in hospitalized
patients with acute heart failure [AHF] in a tertiary care hospital in Egypt.
Methods: 107 Patients
admitted with a diagnosis of systolic AHF, between January
2006 and January 2008 were enrolled in this retrospective registry. Demographics
and outcome were recorded as documented in the patients’ records.
Results: Mean age was
59.7±11.7 years, 87% were males, and 23% had new onset AHF.
Coronary artery disease was the most common etiology [49.5%]. Hypertension
[57.5%], Diabetes mellitus [52%], anemia [41.5%] and renal insufficiency [32%],
valvular heart disease [15%] were common associated conditions. 66% of patients
reported dyspnea, 83% had NYHA class IV dyspnea. Mean systolic blood pressure
was 117±22 mm Hg, and mean diastolic blood pressure was 74±13 mm Hg. Bilateral
basal rale was reported in 57%, while only 28% had bilateral lower limb edema.
The mean length of stay was 6.3±5.7 days. The re-hospitalization rate was 20%,
while the in-hospital mortality was 12%.
Conclusions: AHF is most prevalent among male patients with history of coronary
artery disease, hypertension, diabetes and renal failure. High rates of co
morbidities were a predictor of increased in hospital mortality.
Keywords: Acute heart
failure, characteristics of heart failure patients and outcome of heart failure.
(Heart Mirror J 2009; 3(2): 92-97).