The prognostic value of body weight loss and anthropometry indices in patients with chronic heart failure and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction

The aim — to study the prognostic significance of body weight loss and anthropometric parameters in patients with chronic heart fai­lure (CHF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF). Materials and methods. 120 patients with CHF, II–IV NYHA class, with LV EF ≤35% were examined. Patients were subjected to a general clinical and physical examination, calculating the percentage of body fat, measuring the thickness of the skin-fat fold (TSFF) at 4 points using a calipometer, the circumference of the shoulder with a strained and tense arm, waist and hip. Results. Patients with weight loss (WL) ≥6% in the last 6 months had a significantly worse prognosis for the survival and occurrence of a combined critical event (CCE). The incidence of fatalities was higher in patients with lower body mass index and waist circumference. Patients with lower shoulder and hip circumferences, TSFF above the biceps, and under the shoulder blade had a significantly worse prognosis regarding the survival and onset of CCE. Conclusions. Among patients with CHF and reduced LV EF, WL ≥6% in the last 6 months is associated with poorer survival and more frequent hospitalization. Body mass index, waist circumference showed low prognostic significance for the occurrence of a CCE, however, they showed sufficient information about survival. Indicators of TSFF over triceps and in the inguinal area, percentage of body fat did not show sufficient informativeness to predict the long-term survival of this category of patients. Poor prognosis for both survival and the onset of a CCE is associated with lower shoulder circumference, hip, TSFF over the biceps and under the shoulder blade.