Evolution of Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction in a Cardiology Clinic in Cotonou

Introduction: Heart failure, the final stage of most heart diseases, is responsible for high mortality. The aim of this work was to study the evolutionary profile of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) among patients followed at the University Cardiology Clinic of Cotonou. Material and Method: This was a descriptive, observational, longitudinal and analytical study conducted from January 2021 to June 2022. It included by exhaustive sampling patients who presented with HFrEF. Inclusion was made during post-hospitalization follow-up. The variables studied were clinical presentation, CHARLSON score summarizing the burden of comorbidities, mortality rate and number of re-hospitalizations. Results: A total of one hundred and thirteen (113) patients were included in the study. Mean age was 53.2 ± 17.3 years, with a sex ratio of 1.75. Dyspnea was stage III in 59.5% of patients and stage IV in 8.1%. The CHARLSON score was greater than or equal to 3 in 12.4% of cases. The re-hospitalization rate was 18.6%, and the one-year mortality rate was 33.6%. Factors associated with death included advanced age, left ventricular ejection fraction below 30% and a CHARLSON score greater than or equal to 3. Conclusion: HFrEF is a severe pathology associated with a poor prognosis. These findings underscore the critical need for early and aggressive management strategies, with the rigorous control of associated comorbidities.