FREQUENCY OF ETIOLOGICAL AND PRECIPITATING FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE DE-COMPENSATED HEART FAILURE

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the frequency of etiological and precipitating factors in
patients with acute de compensated heart failure (ADHF).
Methodology: This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out at
Cardiology Department, from October 2011 to April2012. Patients presented
with ADHF were assessed and investigated for the causes and factors that
precipitate heart failure (HF).
Results: Out of 291 patients, 153(52.5%) were males. Age ranged from 13-90
years with mean age 53.59 ± 18.98 years. The underlying etiology of HF was
coronary artery disease (CAD) 29.2%, hypertension 18.5%, rheumatic heart
disease (RHD) 13.7%, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) 11.0%, other
cardiomyopathies 9%,multiple causes 12.4%, and others 6.1%. Most common
precipitating factor for de-compensation was infections (28.2%) followed by
poor compliance to medications (17.5%). Other precipitating factors include
dietary indiscretion(11%), arrhythmias(13.7%), pregnancy(7.2%) and
anemia(5.1%). No precipitating factor was found in 10% patients.
Conclusion: coronary artery disease, Hypertension, rheumatic heart disease
and dilated cardiomyopathy are main etiological factors of ADHF. Infections, poor
compliance to medications and arrhythmias are major precipitants for ADHF.