Differences of psychological features in patients with heart failure with regard to gender and aetiology — Results of a CAPS-LOCK-HF (Complex Assessment of Psychological Status Located in Heart Failure) study

Abstract

ObjectiveObjective of the study was to assess the psychological state of HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with regard to gender and aetiology. Methods758 patients with HFrEF (mean age — 64±11years, men — 79%, NYHA class III–IV — 40%, ischemic aetiology — 61%) in a prospective Polish multicenter Caps-Lock-HF study. Scores on five different self-report inventories: CISS, MHLC, GSES, BDI and modified Mini-MAC were compared between the sexes taking into account the aetiology of HFrEF. ResultsThere were differences in the CISS and BDI score between the genders – women had higher CISS (emotion- and avoidance-oriented) and BDI (general score — 14.2±8.7 vs 12.3±8.6, P<0.05; subscale — somatic score — 7.3±3.7 vs 6.1±3.7, P<0.05). In the ischemic subpopulation, women had higher BDI (general and subscales) than men. In the non-ischemic subpopulation the differences between genders were limited to CISS scale. In a multivariable analysis with demographic and clinical data female sex, NYHA class, atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus determined BDI score. Similarly, in the ischemic subpopulation, the female sex, NYHA class and atrial fibrillation determined the BDI, while in the non-ischemic population NYHA class was the only factor that influenced the BDI score. Adding the psychological data made a significant additional contribution to the prediction of depression status. ConclusionsThere are distinct differences in psychological features with regard to gender in patients with HFrEF. Women demonstrate less favourable psychological characteristics. Gender-related differences in BDI score are especially explicit in patients with ischemic aetiology of HF. The BDI score is related to psychological predisposition.