H2FPEF Score Reflects the Left Atrial Strain and Predicts Prognosis in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Background: The H₂FPEF score is a validated algorithm for the diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We investigated the associations of the H₂FPEF score with echocardiographic parameters and prognosis in patients with HFpEF admitted for acute heart failure.

Methods and results: In total, 4312 patients at 3 tertiary centers were identified. Among 1335 patients with HFpEF, the H₂FPEF score was available in 1105 patients (39% male) with a median age of 77 years (interquartile range 69-82). The median H₂FPEF score was 4 (interquartile range 3-6). Patients with higher H₂FPEF scores had worse left atrial (LA) size, peak atrial longitudinal strain of the left atrium, mitral E/e' ratio, and peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity. Peak atrial longitudinal strain of the left atrium demonstrated a significant association with the H₂FPEF score, in patients without atrial fibrillation and those without atrial fibrillation. After adjustment for clinical factors and echocardiographic parameters, patients with higher H₂FPEF scores had a higher risk of mortality and hospitalization for heart failure, regardless of the presence of atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions: The H₂FPEF score reflects left atrial function in patients with HFpEF admitted for acute heart failure. This association supports the clinical usefulness of the H₂FPEF score as an indicator of diastolic dysfunction, a diagnostic algorithm for HFpEF, and a prognostic factor in patients with HFpEF.