Combination of SVI/S′ and diagnostic scores for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

The diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains a challenge. There are three methods proposed as diagnostic tools. H₂FPEF score was determined by six weighted clinical characteristics and echocardiographic variables. Heart Failure Association (HFA)-PEFF algorithm consists of various functional and morphological variables as well as natriuretic peptides. SVI/S′ is a novel echocardiographic parameter calculated by stroke volume index and mitral annulus systolic peak velocity. This study aimed to compare the three approaches in patients with suspected HFpEF. Patients referred to right heart catheterization for suspected HFpEF were classified into low-, intermediate- and high-likelihood groups according to H₂FPEF or HFA-PEFF scores. A diagnosis of HFpEF was confirmed by pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of ≥15 mm Hg according to the guidelines. In result, a total of 128 patients were included. Of these, 71 patients with PCWP ≥15 mm Hg and 57 patients with PCWP <15 mm Hg. Moderate correlations were observed between H₂FPEF score, HFA-PEFF score, SVI/S′ and PCWP. The area under curve of SVI/S′ was 0.82 for diagnosis of HFpEF, compared with 0.67 for H₂FPEF score and 0.75 for HFA-PEFF score by receiver-operating characteristics analysis. Combining SVI/S′ with diagnostic scores showed higher Youden index and accuracy than each score alone. Kaplan–Meier analysis reported that the high-likelihood group showed poorer outcomes regardless the method used for diagnosis. Among the contemporary tools for identifying HFpEF in this study, the combination of SVI/S′ with risk scores showed best diagnostic ability. Each of the strategies can determine rehospitalisation because of heart failure.