A new objective diagnostic method for CHF that lays the foundation for objective classification and precision medicine for chronic heart failure

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: To compare blood flow in the pulmonary microcirculation (Qp), cardiac output (Qt), the Qp/Qt ratio, and shunt blood flow (Qs) among three different age groups, healthy individuals and patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) class III. The purpose of this comparative and methodological study, utilizing equations from a mathematical model and different analytical techniques, was to objectively diagnose CHF. Method: Experimental data obtained through various techniques from three groups of subjects were entered into equations measuring Qt (L/min), Qp (L/min), Qs (L/min), and the Qp/Qt ratio. Results: At rest: Group I, healthy and young subjects aged 26.3 ± 4.6 years, Qp = 4.15 L/min; Group II, non-CHF normal controls aged 62.3 ± 10.3 years, Qp = 4.595 L/min; Group III, CHF patients aged 62.4 ± 8.3 years, who had New York Heart Association functional class III failure, Qp = 5.51 L/min. During exercise: CHF patients (Group III) at 50 W during exhaustive exercise, Qp = 8.45 L/min; non-CHF normal controls (Group II) at 50 W during nonexhaustive exercise, Qp = 15.372 L/min. Group I, at 340 W during exhaustive exercise, Qp = 23.22 L/min. Conclusions: This new diagnostic method allowed me to perform an initial objective characterization of CHF class III patients, laying the foundation for an objective classification of the four classes of CHF patients and subsequent precision medicine. Future research and clinical trials utilizing this method may provide new advancements in the diagnosis of cardiovascular pathologies in general, contributing to precision medicine.