TITLE:
Sociodemographic, Clinical, Paraclinical, Therapeutic and Evolutionary Profile of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) in an African Cardiology Setting
AUTHORS:
Fatoumata Traoré Diaby, Tanoh Micesse Akoto, Yves Nda Kouakou N’goran, Bénédicte Carine Boka, Angoran Ines Kock, Keita Massandjé Sara, Ami Echua Manzan Avoh, Mbe Daniogo, Zeinab Camara, Iklo Coulibaly
KEYWORDS:
Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Factors Related to Mortality
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases,
Vol.16 No.9,
September
22,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: To study the clinical, paraclinical, evolutionary and therapeutic aspects of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, as well as the factors associated with death, in order to contribute to the improvement of care. Method: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, and analytical study conducted over five years, from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023. It included patients aged 18 years and older with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), diagnosed based on clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic data. A total of 273 patients with HFpEF were included, representing a prevalence of 24% of heart failure patients in the internal medicine department of the ICA (Abidjan Cardiology Institute). Data were collected from medical records and recorded in a questionnaire. Results: Our study provided a detailed description of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The mean age of the patients was 54.89 ± 18.18 years, with a male predominance (59%). Patients were admitted in NYHA class IV (50%) and III (40%). The most frequently observed major risk factors were hypertension (61.9%), diabetes (19.05%), and obesity (11.72%). Heart failure was global (52%), left-sided (39%), and right-sided (7%), with acute renal failure (4.4%) and pneumonia (2.56%) as complications occurring during hospitalization. Cardiomegaly was noted in most patients on chest radiography. Atrial fibrillation, the most frequent electrocardiographic abnormality, was followed by left ventricular hypertrophy. The underlying heart disease was primarily hypertension (58.6%), followed by ischemic heart disease (9.52%). Comorbidities were mainly diabetes (7.3%), followed by coronary artery disease (6.96%). Treatment was exclusively medical, with the most frequently used medications being furosemide (79.89%), beta-blockers (56.7%), anticoagulants (50.1%), ACE inhibitors (49.8%), and gliflozins (2.2%). The outcome was favorable in the majority of patients, with a mortality rate of 9%. Factors associated with mortality related to HFpEF were the NYHA class and rhythm disturbances. Conclusion: In our series, Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) increases with age and affects men more than women; it is often associated with hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Treatment options for HFpEF remain limited. Future prospective studies should lead to improvements in clinical and therapeutic approaches.