Cardiovascular disease history as a predictor for adverse outcomes in frail older adults admitted to acute geriatric settings: 12-month outcomes from an Australian frailty registry

Abstract Introduction Frailty is common in older adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD), with prevalence between 25-62% (1). The incidence of CVD increases with age, yet the outcomes of frail older adults with a history of CVD who present to acute geriatric settings, is not well understood. Purpose To report the association of CVD and rehospitalisation and/or mortality at 12 months in a cohort of frail older adults enrolled in an Australian frailty registry. Methods A convenience sample of participants enrolled in the frailty registry, with 12-month follow-up completed. The frailty registry is a prospective cohort study of adults admitted to the rehabilitation and aged care departments at two Australian hospitals. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), a score of 1-4 is ‘non-frail’, 5-6 is ‘mild-moderately frail’ and 7-9 is ‘severely frail’ (2). For this study, ‘CVD’ was defined as having a history of either heart failure, stroke, or atrial fibrillation. The cumulative incidence of first rehospitalisation and/or death during the first 12 months post discharge was estimated using one minus the Kaplan-Meier estimate of the survival function. Association between CVD (history of CVD, and type of CVD condition) and the composite endpoint were analysed. Adjusted Hazard Ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable Cox models incorporating variables of interest and potential confounders. Results A total of 592 participants were included, median age was 82 years, 59% (n= 349) were female. The majority were frail with 50% (n= 295) classified as mild-moderately frail and 21% (n= 123) classified as severely frail. Almost half (45%, n= 265) had a history of CVD. The incidence of frailty (CFS score ≥5, mild-severely frail) was higher in those with CVD compared to those without CVD (76% vs 66%). A history of CVD was significantly associated with higher rate of first readmission or death within 12 months, compared to no history of CVD (p=0.017) (Figure 1). Of the three CVD conditions, heart failure was the only independent predictor of the composite endpoint (HR 1.60 [CI 1.14 -2.24], p=0.007). A CFS score of mild-moderately frail (HR 1.51 [CI 1.18 - 1.93, p=0.001) and severely frail were also independent predictors of the composite endpoint (HR 1.83 [CI 1.35- 2.48], p=<0.001) (Table 1). Conclusions A history of CVD has a significant impact on adverse outcomes in frail older adults admitted to acute geriatric settings. Frailty according to the CFS was independently predictive of rehospitalisation and mortality in this cohort. Heart failure was the only independent predictor of the composite endpoint. These findings underscore the importance of identifying and addressing CVD and in the context of frailty, emphasising the need for targeted interventions to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.Figure 1.Table 1.