The HFA-PEFF diagnostic algorithm for diagnosing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in hypertensive patients

The main causes of chronic heart failure (CHF) are hypertension (HTN) and coronary heart disease (CHD). One of the diagnostic methods for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) can be the HFA-PEFF diagnostic algorithm, according to which diastolic stress test (DST) is indicated for patients with an intermediate probability of heart failure (HF). Objective. The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of HFpEF in patients with HTN with CHD and hypertensive patients without CHD by transthoracic echocardiogram using a DST according to the diagnostic algorithm HFA-PEFF. Design and methods. The study enrolled 45 patients with HTN and symptoms of HF who were divided into two groups according to the presence of CHD: patients with HTN and CHD (group I), patients with HTN without CHD (group II). The major and minor criteria of the HFA-PEFF diagnostic algorithm were evaluated to make the diagnosis of HFpEF. The DST was performed applying a passive leg raising test in patients with an intermediate probability of HFpEF. Results. According to the major and minor criteria of the HFA-PEFF: 7 (21,9 %) patients in group I and 3 (23,1 %) patients in group II did not have HFpEF. The confirmed HFpEF in group I was detected in 2 (6,2 %) patients, and none patients demonstrated confirmed HFpEF in group II. The remaining patients had an intermediate probability of HFpEF. DST with passive leg raising allowed to additionally diagnose HFpEF at an early stage in 6 (26,1 %) patients with HTN and CHD and in 1 (10 %) patient with HTN without CHD. Conclusions. The HFA-PEFF diagnostic algorithm using major and minor criteria allows to make the diagnosis of HFpEF in patients with HTN and symptoms of HF and, according to this algorithm in patients with HTN and CHD was detected more often, compared to patients with HTN without CHD.