Epidemiology and Outcomes of Aortic Stenosis in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: The ARIC Study

Background: Few studies characterize the epidemiology and outcomes of aortic stenosis (AS) in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). This study investigates the significance of AS in contemporary patients who have experienced an ADHF hospitalization. Methods: The ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) surveilled ADHF hospitalizations for residents ≥55 years of age in 4 US communities. ADHF cases were stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Demographic differences in AS burden and the association of varying AS severities with mortality were estimated using multivariable logistic regression. Results: From 2005 through 2014, there were 3597 (weighted n=16 692) ADHF hospitalizations of which 48.6% had an LVEF <50% and 51.4% an LVEF ≥50%. AS prevalence was 12.1% and 18.7% in those with an LVEF <50% and ≥50%, respectively. AS was less likely in Black than White patients regardless of LVEF: LVEF <50% (odds ratio [OR], 0.34 [95% CI, 0.28-0.42]); LVEF ≥50% (OR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.44-0.59]). Higher AS severity was independently associated with 1-year mortality in both LVEF subgroups: LVEF <50% (OR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.04-1.28]); LVEF ≥50% (OR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.28-1.54]). Sensitivity analyses excluding severe AS patients detected that mild/moderate AS was independently associated with 1-year mortality in both LVEF subgroups: LVEF <50% (OR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.02-1.47]); LVEF ≥50% (OR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.14-1.51]). Conclusions: Among patients who have experienced an ADHF hospitalization, AS is prevalent and portends poor mortality outcomes. Notably, mild/moderate AS is independently associated with 1-year mortality in this high-risk population

Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Mitral Regurgitation in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: The ARIC Study

Objectives: This study investigates the prevalence and prognostic significance of mitral regurgitation (MR) in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. Background: Few studies characterize the burden of MR in heart failure. Methods: The ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) study surveilled ADHF hospitalizations for residents ≥55 years of age in 4 U.S. communities. ADHF cases were stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): <50% and ≥50%. Odds of moderate or severe MR in patients with varying sex and race, and odds of 1-year mortality in those with higher MR severity were estimated using multivariable logistic regression. Results: From 2005 to 2014, there were 17,931 weighted ADHF hospitalizations of which 49.2% had an LVEF <50% and 50.8% an LVEF ≥50%. Moderate or severe MR prevalence was 44.5% in those with an LVEF <50% and 27.5% in those with an LVEF ≥50%. Moderate or severe MR was more likely in females than males regardless of LVEF; LVEF <50% (odds ratio [OR]: 1.21 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11 to 1.33]), LVEF ≥50% (OR: 1.52 [95% CI: 1.36 to 1.69]). Among hospitalizations with an LVEF ≥50%, moderate or severe MR was less likely in blacks than whites (OR: 0.72 [95% CI: 0.64 to 0.82]). Higher MR severity was independently associated with increased 1-year mortality in those with an LVEF <50% (OR: 1.30 [95% CI: 1.16 to 1.45]). Conclusions: Patients with ADHF have a significant MR burden that varies with sex and race. In ADHF patients with an LVEF <50%, higher MR severity is associated with excess 1-year mortality