A Study of Clinical Profile in Patients Admitted with Congestive Heart Failure in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background
Heart failure (HF) is a common cardiovascular condition during this decade whose incidence
and prevalence are increasing. It is a standard reason for urgent hospital admission, morbidity and
mortality for the patients. Within the developed countries, CAD remains the leading explanation for
HF, whereas, within underdeveloped countries, RHD remains the most typical causes of HF admission.
Materials and Methods
This was a retrospective study analysing registered data of HF admissions within the General
Medicine department of Saveetha Medical College, Kancheepuram, TamilNadu. 255 patients with
diagnosis of HF based on Framingham Criteria were included in the study. All patients admitted for HF
management of NYHA functional class-II and above were included during this study.
Results
CAD leading to HF was found in 93 (36.5%) patients. RHD leading to valular lesion and HF
in 65 (25.5%), dilated cardiomyopathy in 37 (14.5%), hypertensive HF in 22 (8.6%) and HF due to
congenital heart disease in 7 (2.7%) patients. The commonest presenting symptom was dyspnoea
(81%) followed by Pedal edema (56%), fatigue (23%), elevated jugular venous pressure (34%), and
hypotension (SBP < 90 mmHg) in 25%. From all patients, 89%, 64%, 51%, 16%, 48%, and 32%
received loop diuretics, ACEI, digoxin, ARBs, spironolactone, and beta-blocking agents respectively.
Conclusion
CAD leading to HF was the commonest cause of HF admission in our hospital. Despite
current guidelines suggesting the use of beta-blocking agents in patients with HF, only 32% of our
patients received this class of medications.. To improve the outcome of these patients adherence to HF
guidelines is needed.