Nutritional Status of Elderly Heart Failure Patients and Its Impact on Survival
Author Information
Author(s): González-Sosa Sonia, Santana-Vega Pablo, Rodríguez-Quintana Alba, Rodríguez-González Jose A., García-Vallejo José M., Puente-Fernández Alicia, Conde-Martel Alicia
Primary Institution: Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of malnutrition in elderly heart failure patients and how does it affect their survival?
Conclusion
At least one in four elderly heart failure patients has an impaired nutritional status, which is associated with lower survival rates.
Supporting Evidence
- 25.4% of patients were at risk of malnutrition and 2.2% were malnourished.
- Patients with poor nutritional status lived 16.69 months less than those with normal nutritional status.
- Dementia and hip fractures were associated with worse nutritional status.
- Malnutrition was shown to be an independent predictor of mortality.
Takeaway
Many older people with heart problems don't eat well, which can make them sicker and live shorter lives.
Methodology
A retrospective observational study was conducted, including patients aged 85 and older diagnosed with heart failure, who underwent nutritional assessments and were followed up from 2015 to 2023.
Potential Biases
Potential underdiagnosis of malnutrition due to lack of awareness in the health sector.
Limitations
The study is retrospective, limiting data collection and verification, and only baseline nutritional assessments were conducted.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of 88.4 years, 52.8% female, with various comorbidities including high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95%CI (2.32–6.86)
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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