Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Frailty is a complex condition that results from the loss of physiological reserve across multiple systems. Its presence should be considered in the aging heart failure population, since it is an important predictor of death and institutionalization in the elderly. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a prospective, observational and analytical single-center study of 100 elderly patients hospitalized for acute heart failure, we assessed the characteristics associated with an increased hospital and 1-year mortality. Frailty was evaluated with the Clinical Frailty Scale, and there was a significant association between its presence and 1-year mortality (RR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.18-3.48; p = 0.014), although not with in-hospital mortality. After adjusting for probable confounders, it remained independently associated with 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION: Frailty can be assessed with a simple bed-side scale and provides significant prognostic information in acute heart failure patients.