Gender Differences in Acute Heart Failure Admissions and Short Term Outcomes: The New Zealand Heart Failure Registry

Abstract

Background: Previous studies suggest improved survival rates for women with heart failure. We report our experience with the New Zealand Heart Failure Registry (NZHFR). Methods: NZHFR is a national, prospective, observational web-based registry. We compared the short-term outcomes of hospitalised heart failure patients according to gender. Results: A total of 1609 patients were enrolled between July 2006 and Feb 2012 with 90-day follow up data available in 92% (1478/1609), 597 (37%) females and 1012 (63%) males. Women were older (mean age 74.3 ± 14.5 vs 67.4 ± 15.1, P < 0.0001) and had a higher incidence of hypertension (51% vs 49%, P < 0.0001) and severe valve disease (24% vs 20%, P = 0.04) and lower incidence of ischaemic heart disease (30% vs 36%, P = 0.006) and LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF < 50%, 57% vs 81%, P < 0.0001). There was no difference in BNP values (945 ± 1001 vs 862 ± 975, P = 0.10). Discharge medication and outcomes shown in table.Tabled 1Discharge MedicationsFemaleMaleP ValueDiuretics552/569 (97%)947/975 (97%)0.88ACE-I/ARB's449/569 (79%)808/975 (83%)0.058Beta blockers429/569 (75%)772/975 (79%)0.08Spironolactone163/569 (29%)335/975 (34%)0.02* Open table in a new tab OutcomeFemaleMaleP ValueLength of stay (mean ± SD)8.4 ± 7 days8.7 ± 8 days<0.0001*In-hospital mortality28/597 (5%)37/1012 (4%)0.3690-day mortality92/597 (15%)125/1012 (12%)0.0990-day readmission79/597 (13%)134/1012 (13%)0.93 Conclusion: Female patients admitted in NZ with heart failure are older and less likely to have systolic dysfunction. Shorter hospitalisation occurs in females with similar short term mortality and readmission rates to males.