Prevalence and Impact of Pulmonary Hypertension on Acute Decompensated Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Hospitalizations: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis.

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) is a major and common cardiovascular condition with widely variable clinical outcomes. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) often co-exists with HFpEF and tends to affect patient outcomes; this study aims to identify the impact of PH on the clinical outcome of patients admitted to the hospital with acute HFpEF exacerbations. We analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample between 2016 and 2020, focusing on 464,438 acute HFpEF exacerbation hospitalizations. Outcomes were compared between those with PH (27.1%) and those without PH (72.9%). HFpEF hospitalizations with PH exhibited elevated in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [95 CI]: 1.08-1.31, P <0.05), prolonged length of stay (adjusted β: 0.90 days, P <0.05), and increased overall costs (adjusted β: $2,858, P <0.05). Furthermore, HFpEF hospitalizations with PH demonstrated higher rates of atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, right ventricular failure, and conduction abnormalities. This population also displayed an increased incidence of acute hypoxic respiratory failure, necessitating increased non-invasive and mechanical ventilation. The co-existence of PH in HFpEF presents an increased risk of mortality and morbidity, with higher healthcare costs and the need for ventilatory support, in addition to higher risks of cardiovascular and pulmonary complications. Therefore, an early diagnosis of PH in patients with HFpEF is crucial, and further research is required to determine appropriate management.