Impact of Recurrent Heart Failure Hospitalization on Decline in Activities of Daily Living for Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved or Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Abstract

Background: For patients with heart failure (HF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), there is no treatment that improves survival, but some will reduce HF hospitalizations. Recurrent HF admissions may impair activities of daily living (ADL) and increase the societal burden.

Methods and results: We analyzed 130 patients with HFpEF or HFmrEF who had recurrent HF hospitalizations. The multivariate linear mixed-effects model revealed that HF hospitalization frequency remained an independent predictor of ADL decline, as evaluated by the Barthel index.

Conclusions: Recurrent hospitalization for HF contributes to ADL decline. Preventing rehospitalization due to HF is crucial.