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.