Gender-Related Differences in Patients Admitted with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Background: Gender-related differences in patients (pts) with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF)) have not been well described. Objectives: To report gender-related differences regarding baseline characteristics and outcomes in pts admitted with ADHF. Methods: From June 2006 through January 2007 71 pts with ADHF from 3 hospitals were included. Mean age was 73 ± 12.6 years and mean LV ejection fraction was 43 ± 14%. We assessed gender-related differences regarding baseline characteristics and outcomes. Results: There were 47 (66%) men. Mean age did not differ between the groups (73 ± 13 vs 74.5 ± 12, p = 0.72). A history of heart failure was more frequent in men (78.7% vs 50%, p = 0.01). Women had higher prevalence of heart failure with preserved systolic function (39% vs 10.8%, p = 0.02) and higher B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) values (median 791 [interquartil range 491-1112] vs 486 [277-654] pg/mL, p = 0.001). Hospital length of stay was higher in men (median 10 [6-20] vs 5 [4-10] days, p = 0.04). There was a trend for higher mortality rate in men (8.5% vs 0%, p = 0.29). Conclusion: In pts admitted for ADHF the presence of preserved systolic function is higher in women. Although women present with higher BNP levels than men their outcomes seem to be better, suggesting either a better response to treatment or a gender-related baseline difference regarding the values of BNP which is independent of HF severity.