Abstract
Purpose
Heart failure (HF) can be classified into three types based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The newly developed transthoracic three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography-Heart-Model (HM) can be used to quickly analyze the volume and function of the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV). This study aimed to evaluate the value of HM in HF patients.
Methods
117 patients with HF were included. Participants were divided into three groups: HFpEF (EF ≥ 50%), HFmrEF (EF = 41–49%), and HFrEF (EF ≤ 40%). HM was used to analyze the 3D cardiac functional parameters. LVEF was also obtained using the biplane Simpson’s method. NT-proBNP concentrations were measured.
Results
There were significant differences in age, female proportion, body mass index, and comorbidities among the three groups. The 3D volumetric parameters of the LA and LV increased while the LVEF decreased from HFpEF to HFmrEF, then to HFrEF. The LV E/e' in HFrEF patients was significantly higher than that of HFpEF patients. The time required to measure LVEF using HM was significantly shorter than using the conventional biplane Simpson’s method. The increases in NT-proBNP concentrations followed a pattern: HFrEF > HFmrEF > HFpEF. The concentration of NT-proBNP was positively correlated with LV volumes, and negatively correlated with LVEF using both HM and the biplane Simpson's method.
Conclusions
LA and LV volumes increase and the derived LV systolic function decrease with the severity of HF types determined by HM. The functional parameters measured with HM are associated with laboratory indicators. HM is feasible for routine clinical application.