Abstract 16989: Impaired Systolic Function Assessed by Strain Imaging Predicts Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Abstract

Introduction: Left ventricular (LV) systolic function by strain imaging is impaired in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) but its prognostic relevance is not known. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that worse longitudinal strain (LS) is independently associated with adverse outcomes. Methods: LS was assessed by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography in a blinded core laboratory at baseline in 447 patients with HFpEF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≥45%) enrolled in the Treatment Of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) trial and was related to the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular (CV) death, HF hospitalization, or aborted cardiac arrest, and its components. Results: At a median follow-up of 2.6 (IQR 1.5-3.9) years, 115 patients experienced the primary outcome. Impaired LS, defined as an absolute LS < 15.8%, was present in 53% of patients and was associated with the composite outcome (adjusted HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.26-3.66; p=0.005), CV death alone (adjusted HR 3.20, 95% CI 1.44-7.12; p=0.004), and HF hospitalization alone (adjusted HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.16-4.28; p=0.016) after adjusting for age, gender, race, randomization strata (prior HF hospitalization vs elevated B-type natriuretic peptide level), region of enrollment (Americas vs Russia or Georgia), randomized treatment assignment, history of atrial fibrillation, heart rate, New York Heart Association class, history of stroke, creatinine, hematocrit, LVEF, mass, end-systolic volume index, and E/E’ ratio. These findings were similar in the subgroup of 354 patients with LVEF ≥55%. Conclusions: Among HFpEF patients enrolled in TOPCAT, impaired LV systolic function, measured by LS, is predictive of adverse CV outcomes independent of clinical and conventional echocardiographic predictors. Impaired LS represents a novel imaging biomarker to identify HFpEF patients at particularly high risk for CV morbidity and mortality.