Background: There is uncertainty about the prevalence and clinical characteristics of heart failure (HF) patients with preserved systolic function (PRESYF).
Aim: To analyze the prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with PRESYF in an unselected cohort of subjects consecutively hospitalized for HF.
Methods: The study cohort included 338 patients consecutively admitted for HF at 24 Internal Medicine units homogeneously settled in Tuscany area (Italy). We did not have any criteria for exclusion. All patients had an echocardiographic measure of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) within 72 hours from hospital admission. Patients with LVEF > or = 50% were considered to have PRESYF.
Results: The patients with PRESYF were 112 (33.1%), those with depressed systolic function (DESYF) 226 (66.9%). In the group PRESYF were prevalent female sex, hypertensive etiology, and elevated BMI. The distribution for classes of age shows a great frequency of PRESYF in the elderly.
Conclusion: About one third of patients admitted for HF have a PRESYF. They are different compared to those with DESYF. A correct identification of this form of HF may be important in clinical practice for more targeted therapeutic options and for prognostic implications.