Factors Precipitating Acute Heart Failure

Objective: To identify the precipitating factors in AHF, some factors are preventable and preventing these precipitants we can reduce re-admission rate, morbidity and mortality in heart failure patients. Study design: It is descriptive observational study Place and Duration: This study was conducted at Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology, Faisalabad from October 2013 to June 2014. Material and Methods: A total 200 patients with AHF presenting in emergency department of Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology, Faisalabad and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited in this study. A full history including age, sex, occupation, history of IHD, Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, family history of IHD, obesity, hyperlipidemia, drug history was taken. Histories regarding any fever, productive cough and UTI was taken. ECG, X-Ray chest (PA view) and routine investigations including CBC, Trop-I, Cardiac enzymes, Urea, creatinine was done. Results: Total 200 patients were recruited in this study who fulfill the inclusion and exclusion criteria.121 (60.5%) patients were male and 79(39.5%) were female. 113(56.5%) patients were diabetic. ACS was most common precipitant in all patient groups, in male and diabetic patients. 127 (63.5%) patients had previous history of chronic heart failure. Hypertension was most common precipitating factor 24(30.38%) in female. Non compliance of drugs was most common factor 33(25.98%) in patients with ADCH. Conclusion: AHF is a serious medical emergency worldwide and mostly it is associated with concomitant factors. Mostly these precipitants are preventable and preventing these factors we can decrease hospital re-admission rate, morbidity and mortality.