Association of lactate to albumin ratio with short-term and long-term mortality in critically ill patients with heart failure complicated by sepsis: a retrospective study using the MIMIC-IV database

In critically ill patients with HF complicated by sepsis, LAR is a reliable and independent predictor of mortality. Patients in the highest LAR quartile (>0.97) have a significantly increased risk of death, providing a clinically useful reference for rapid identification of high-risk individuals. The significant interaction observed in hypertensive subgroups highlights the need for heightened clinical attention. Overall, LAR may serve as a practical biomarker for risk stratification and prognostic evaluation in this vulnerable population.