Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ejection fraction (EF) is often used as a prognostic indicator and for classifying heart failure (HF) patients. This study evaluates the association of echocardiographic parameters with HF with improved EF (HFimpEF). METHODS: This single-centre study retrospectively included patients with HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) from a cohort of admitted patients over 2018-2020, who were then followed up prospectively until 2023. The control group was categorized as patients with non-recovered HFrEF, and the population group was categorized as patients with HFimpEF. RESULTS: A total of 176 patients with HFrEF were included in the study. Non-ischemic etiology was found to be the most prevalent cause of HFimpEF. The baseline echocardiography examination revealed that the HFimpEF group exhibited significantly higher values for tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE; P < 0.001) and inferior vena cava diameter (P < 0.001). The non-recovered HFrEF group demonstrated higher baseline left atrial volume index (LAVi) values (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, a higher value of TAPSE (odds ratio 3.071; P = 0.008) and a lower value of LAVi (odds ratio 2.034; P = 0.008) were independent echocardiography variables associated with HFimpEF. After a mean follow-up duration of 32.5 ± 9.1 months, the HFimpEF group had higher survival from rehospitalization due to worsening HF and lower all-cause mortality (log rank P < 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Higher TAPSE and lower LAVi in baseline were associated with the transition from HFrEF to HFimpEF. The HFimpEF group had better survival compared to those with non-recovered HFrEF.