FACTORS LEADING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ACUTE HEART FAILURE AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN MARDAN: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background
Acute heart failure (AHF) is a significant global health concern, characterized by sudden and severe cardiac dysfunction. It imposes a considerable burden on healthcare systems, particularly in low-resource settings. This study examines factors contributing to AHF development among patients at Mardan Medical Complex, Pakistan, addressing the gap in regional data for effective prevention and management.
Objective
To identify demographic, clinical, and biochemical factors associated with the development of AHF in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Mardan.
Methods
This retrospective cross-sectional study included 145 patients diagnosed with AHF between November 2021 and May 2022. Patients aged 40–80 years were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data were extracted from hospital records, including demographic details, comorbidities, and clinical presentations. The prevalence of anemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, and smoking status was evaluated. Statistical analysis using SPSS 25.0 included descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify significant predictors of AHF.
Results
Among the study population, the mean age was 65.14 years (±16.49), with 67.6% aged 61–80 years. Anemia was observed in 50.3% of patients, while uncontrolled hypertension was present in 79.3%. Diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia were noted in 69.7% and 62.8%, respectively. Smoking was reported in 35.9%, and obesity was documented in 42.1% of participants. Logistic regression identified hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and anemia as significant predictors of AHF (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
This study underscores the multifactorial nature of AHF and the critical role of modifiable risk factors. Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as routine screening and management of hypertension, diabetes, and anemia, to reduce AHF burden in similar settings. Future research should focus on longitudinal analyses to establish causal relationships and develop region-specific prevention strategies.