Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, hef-REF) is a form of heart failure in which the ejection fraction is reduced.^[1] This is defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 40% or less. About half of heart failure patients have a reduced ejection fraction.^[2] Other types of heart failure are heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF, LVEF between 40% and 50%) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF, LVEF 50% or higher).^[1][3]

HFrEF may result in a variety of signs and symptoms, though these are non-specific, so their presence cannot confirm that a person has HFrEF. The most typical symptoms are shortness of breath, orthopnea (shortness of breath when lying flat), paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (shortness of breath and coughing at night), fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance, and ankle swelling (peripheral edema). The most specific signs, those which are most likely to indicate HFrEF as opposed to other conditions, are high jugular venous pressure (often marked by visibly distended jugular veins) and positive abdominojugular test, a third heart sound, and an apex beat farther to the side of the body than normal.^[2]

Heart failure is a growing disease that accounts for an estimated 1 million hospitalizations in the U.S. alone. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) accounts for about half of those hospitalizations. The increased prevalence of obesity and diabetes no doubt has increased the prevalence of HFrEF. Increased survival due to advances in interventional therapy for myocardial infarctions and other cardiovascular diseases has also lead to an increased prevalence of heart disease and heart failure. At the end of the day, the upward trend we see from year to year reflects an aging patient population. ^[2]

When it comes to diagnosing HFrEF, the first step is identifying the signs and symptoms associated with heart failure. If the diagnosis of HFrEF is highly suspicious, there are many studies that can be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. The most important initial testing involves obtaining an echocardiogram, measuring natriuretic peptides, and obtaining a chest x-ray. An echocardiogram, specifically a trans-thoracic echocardiogram (TTE), can help establish the pumping function (systolic function) of the heart. This helps physicians calculate the ejection fraction (EF) of the heart and EF less than or equal to 40% is a sign of poor systolic function. Natriuretic peptides are elevated when fluid is overloaded in the cardiovascular system. A chest x-ray can be very helpful to identify signs of congestion and heart failure. ^[2]

Patients with a new diagnosis of HFrEF often require ischemic workup. Around half of new HFrEF cases are due to undiagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary angiography is the gold standard test to identify the extent of obstructive coronary artery disease. Other less invasive tests include CT angiogram, stress testing, and nuclear cardiac imaging.^[2]