Worsening heart failure in ‘real‐world’ clinical practice: predictors and prognostic impact

Aims The aim of this study was to compare the clinical features, predictors, and clinical outcomes of patients hospitalized with acute heart failure (AHF), with and without worsening heart failure (WHF). Methods and results We used data from a multicentre prospective registry of AHF patients created in Saudi Arabia. WHF was defined as recurrence of heart failure symptoms or signs—with or without cardiogenic shock. In‐hospital short‐ and long‐term outcomes, as well as predictors of WHF are described. Of the 2609 AHF patients enrolled, 33.8% developed WHF. WHF patients were more likely to have a history of heart failure and ischaemic heart disease. Use of intravenous vasodilators, inotropic agents, furosemide infusions, and discharge beta‐blockers was significantly higher in WHF patients, while use of discharge ACE inhibitors was higher in patients without WHF. Length of hospital stay was significantly longer for WHF patients than for those without WHF [median (interquartile range) 13 (14) vs. 7 (7) days, P < 0.001]. In‐hospital, 30‐day, 1‐year, and 2‐year mortality rates were higher in WHF patients than in non‐WHF patients. The adjusted odds ratios for in‐hospital, 30‐day, and 1‐year mortality were 4.13 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.74–6.20, P < 0.001], 3.17 (95% CI 2.21–4.56, P < 0.001), and 1.34 (95% CI 1.04–1.71, P = 0.021), respectively. The strongest predictors for WHF were having ischaemic cardiomyopathy, AHF with concomitant acute coronary syndrome, and low haemoglobin. Conclusion In real‐world clinical practice, WHF during hospitalization for AHF is a strong predictor for short‐ and intermediate‐term mortality, and a cause for longer hospital stays.