Evaluation of the etiological, clinical, and therapeutic profile of patients with heart failure seen at a university outpatient clinic

Abstract

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a complex and progressive syndrome with high mortality and a significant impact on the healthcare system. Between 2004 and 2014, more than 301,000 deaths were recorded due to HF in Brazilian public hospitals, highlighting the need for precise diagnosis and clinical management. Objective: Analyze the etiological and clinical profiles of patients with heart failure treated at a university outpatient clinic, as well as the therapeutic interventions employed. Method: This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients with heart failure treated at a university outpatient clinic from 2021 to 2023. The sample was selected for convenience, and the patients were analyzed based on the etiological profile of heart failure. Results: The sample consisted of 103 patients with a median age of 67 years and a similar sex distribution (51% male). The most common etiology was dilated cardiomyopathy (59%), followed by ischemic (20%), hypertensive (16%), and Chagas disease (5.9%). Main treatments included beta-blockers (85%), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (78%), diuretics (62%), spironolactone (57%), and statins (64%). Common comorbidities included systemic arterial hypertension (84%), type II diabetes mellitus (33%), and coronary artery disease (35%). Conclusion: The study reveals the etiological and therapeutic diversity of HF, highlighting the importance of a multifaceted approach in clinical management. The combination of medications such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, diuretics, and statins is essential to reduce hospitalizations and improve the quality of life of patients.