ARGEN SHOCK: Mortality related to the use of Swan Ganz and to the hemodynamic pattern found in patients with AMICS.

The Swan Ganz Catheter (SGC) allows us to diagnose different types of cardiogenic shock (CS). OBJECTIVES: 1) Determine the frequency of use of SGC, 2) Analyze the clinical characteristics and mortality according to its use and 3) Analyze the prevalence, clinical characteristics and mortality according to the type of Shock. METHODS: The 114 patients (p) from the ARGEN SHOCK registry were analyzed. A "classic" pattern was defined as PCP > 15 mm Hg, CI < 2.2 L/min/ m2, SVR > 1,200 dynes × sec × cm-5. A "vasoplegic/mixed" pattern was defined when p did not meet the classic definition. CS due to right ventricle (RV) was excluded. RESULTS: SGC was used in 35 % (n:37). There were no differences in clinical characteristics according to SGC use, but those with SGC were more likely to receive dobutamine, levosimendan, and intra aortic balloon pump (IABP). Mortality was similar (59.4 % vs 61.3 %). The pattern was "classic" in 70.2 %. There were no differences in clinical characteristics according to the type of pattern or the drugs used. Mortality was 54 % in patients with the classic pattern and 73 % with the mixed/vasoplegic pattern, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p:0.23). CONCLUSIONS: SGC is used in one third of patients with CS. Its use does not imply differences in the drugs used or in mortality. Most patients have a classic hemodynamic pattern. There are no differences in mortality or in the type of vasoactive agents used according to the CS pattern found.

Registro ARGEN-IAM-ST: infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST en el "nuevo" adulto mayor / ARGEN-IAM-ST Registry: ST-elevation myocardial infarction in "new" older adults

RESUMEN Introducción: La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) considera adulto mayor (AM) a las personas que tienen 60 años o más. Es sabido que la mortalidad por infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) aumenta a edades más avanzadas, pero siempre se han utilizado umbrales de edad mayores que el propuesto por la OMS, por lo cual describir las características y evolución intrahospitalaria de este subgrupo (de acuerdo con la definición de la OMS) se torna relevante. Objetivos: 1) conocer la prevalencia de los AM según la OMS, con IAM con elevación del segmento ST en Argentina y 2) com- parar sus características, tratamientos de reperfusión y mortalidad con los adultos jóvenes. Material y métodos: Se analizaron los pacientes ingresados en el Registro Nacional de Infarto (ARGEN-IAM-ST). Se compara- ron las características clínicas, tratamientos y evolución de los AM y los adultos jóvenes. Resultados: Se incluyeron 6676 pacientes, de los cuales 3626 (54,3%) eran AM. Los AM fueron más frecuentemente mujeres (37,6% vs. 31,4%, p <0,001), hipertensos (67,8% vs. 47%, p <0,001), diabéticos (26,1% vs. 19,9%, p <0,001), dislipidémicos (45,4% vs. 37%, p <0,001), y tuvieron más antecedentes coronarios (16% vs. 10,3%, p <0,001). El tiempo a la consulta de los AM fue mayor (120 min vs. 105 min, p <0,001) con similar tiempo total de isquemia (314 min vs. 310 min, p = 0,33). Recibi- eron menos tratamiento de reperfusión (89,9% vs. 88,6%, p = 0,04) y más angioplastia primaria (91 % vs. 87,4%, p <0,001). Tuvieron más insuficiencia cardíaca (27,3% vs. 18,5%, p <0,001), similar incidencia de sangrado (3,7 vs. 3,1%, p = 0,33) y una mortalidad significativamente mayor (11,4% vs. 5,5%, p <0,001). Ser AM fue predictor independiente de mortalidad. Conclusiones: Más de la mitad de los IAM en nuestro país ocurren en AM. Los pacientes mayores tienen menor probabilidad de recibir reperfusión, más insuficiencia cardíaca y el doble de la mortalidad que los pacientes menores de 60 años.

ABSTRACT Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an Older Adult (OA) as any individual aged 60 or older. It is known that mortality due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) increases with age, but age thresholds higher than those proposed by the WHO have been consistently used; therefore, describing the characteristics and in-hospital progress of this subgroup of patients, in accordance with the WHO definition, becomes relevant. Objectives: 1) To know the prevalence of OA with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Argentina according to the WHO, and 2) to compare their characteristics, reperfusion treatments, and mortality against those in young adults. Methods: Patients included in the National Registry of ST- Elevation Myocardial Infarction (Registro Nacional de Infarto con Elevación del ST, ARGEN-IAM-ST) were analyzed. Clinical features, therapies, and progress were compared in OA versus young adults. Results: A total of 6676 patients were enrolled, 3626 of which (54.3%) were OA. OA were mostly female (37.6% vs 31.4%, p <0.001), had hypertension (67.8% vs 47%, p <0.001), diabetes (26.1% vs 19.9%, p <0.001), dyslipidemia (45.4% vs 37%, p <0.001), and a longer coronary artery disease history (16% vs 10.3%, p < 0.001). The time to consultation in OA was longer (120 min vs 105 min, p <0.001), with a similar total ischemic time (314 min vs 310 min, p = 0.33). They received less reperfu- sion treatment (89.9% vs 88.6%, p = 0.04) and more primary angioplasty (91% vs 87.4%, p <0.001). Heart failure was more common in OAs (27.3% vs 18.5%, p <0.001), with a similar bleeding incidence (3.7% vs 3.1%, p = 0.33), and significantly higher mortality (11.4% vs 5.5%, p<0.001). Being an OA was an independent mortality predictor. Conclusions: More than half the cases of AMI in our country occur in OA. Older patients are less likely to receive reperfusion, more likely to have heart failure, and show twice the rate of mortality as compared to patients under 60.

Shock cardiogénico en el contexto de los síndromes coronarios agudos en Argentina: resultados del Registro ARGEN SHOCK 2 / Cardiogenic Shock in the Setting of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Argentina: Results from the ARGEN SHOCK 2 Registry

RESUMEN El shock cardiogénico (SC) es una complicación grave del infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) y constituye una de sus principales causas de muerte. Objetivos: Conocer las características clínicas, estrategias de tratamiento, evolución intrahospitalaria y mortalidad a 30 días del SC en Argentina. Material y métodos: Se trata de un registro prospectivo, multicéntrico, de pacientes internados con SC en el contexto de los IAM con y sin elevación del segmento ST durante 14 meses (1 de agosto 2021 al 30 de septiembre 2022) en 23 centros de Argentina. Resultados: Se incluyeron 114 pacientes, edad 64 (58-73) años, 72% hombres. El 76,3% de los casos corresponden a IAM con elevación del segmento ST, 12,3% a IAM sin elevación del segmento ST, el 7% a infarto de ventrículo derecho y el 4,4% a complicaciones mecánicas. El SC estuvo presente desde el ingreso en el 66,6% de los casos. Revascularización: 91,1%, uso de inotrópicos: 98,2%, asistencia respiratoria mecánica: 59,6%, SwanGanz: 33,3%, balón de contrapulsación intraaórtico: 30,1%. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria global fue 60,5%, sin diferencias entre los IAM con o sin elevación del segmento ST, y a 30 días del 62,6%. Conclusiones: La morbimortalidad del SC es muy elevada a pesar de la alta tasa de reperfusión empleada.

ABSTRACT Background: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a life-threatening complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and constitutes one of the leading causes of death. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, hospital outcome and 30-day mortality of CS in Argentina. Methods: We conducted a prospective, and multicenter registry of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with and without ST-segment elevation complicated with CS that were hospitalized in 23 centers in Argentina for 14 months (between August 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022). Results: The cohort was made up of 114 patients; median age was 64 years (58-73) and 72% were women; 76.3% corresponded to ST-segment elevation AMI, 12.3% to non-ST-segment elevation AMI, 7% had right ventricular infarction and 4.4% had mechanical complications. In 66.6% of cases CS was present on admission. Revascularization: 91.1%, use of inotropic agents: 98.2%, mechanical ventilation: 59.6%, Swan-Ganz catheter: 33.3%, intra-aortic balloon pump: 30.1%. Overall in-hospital mortality was 60.5%, with no differences between AMI with or without ST-segment elevation, and was 62.6% at 30 days. Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality of CS are high despite the high rate of reperfusion therapy used.

Clinical characteristics and evolution of patients with cardiogenic shock in Argentina in the context of an acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation. Data from the nationwide ARGEN-IAM-ST Registry.

Cardiogenic Shock is one of the main causes of death in ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. To know the clinical characteristics, in-hospital evolution and mortality of patients with Cardiogenic Shock. Patients enrolled in the ARGEN-IAM-ST Registry were analyzed. Predictors of Cardiogenic Shock and death during hospital stay were established. A total of 6122 patients were admitted between 2015 and 2022. Cardiogenic Shock was present in 10.75% of cases. Patients with CS were older (64.5 vs 60 years), more females (41% vs 36%), with more antecedents of infarction and a higher prevalence of anterior location of infarction and multivessel disease. They were also less revascularized (88.5% vs 91.5%) and had a higher incidence of failed angioplasty (15.7% vs 2.7%). They also evidenced a higher occurrence of mechanical complications (6.8% vs 0.4%), ischemic recurrence (7.4% vs 3.4%) and cardiac arrest on admission (44.8% vs 2.6%). All the differences described showed statistical significance with P < 0.05. Overall mortality was 58% in contrast to 2.77% in patients without Cardiogenic Shock (P < 0.001). Only age, DBT, and early cardiac arrest were independent predictors of shock on admission whereas age, female gender, cardiac arrest on admission and failed angioplasty were independent predictors of death. One out of 10 patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction presented cardiogenic shock. Its clinical characteristics were similar to those described more than 20 years ago. Despite a high use of reperfusion strategy cardiogenic shock continues to have a very high mortality Argentina.

Diabetes as a Predictor of In-Hospital and One-Year Outcomes After Decompensated Heart Failure.

Diabetes and heart failure are closely interdependent, but its significance in decompensated heart failure (DHF) is not uniformly accepted. OBJECTIVE: To compare mortality between diabetics and nondiabetics with DHF. METHODS AND RESULTS: In-hospital and 1-year mortality of 1004 consecutive patients with DHF: 25.6% diabetics; median age was 81, 53% male. Diabetics were younger, more often male, with higher prevalence of ischemic etiology and reduced ejection fraction. Congestion was the most prevalent finding in both groups. In hospital mortality was 6.3% vs 6.6 % in nondiabetics and diabetics respectively and 1-year mortality was 35.77% in nondiabetics and 29.3% in diabetics. There were no significant differences in mortality at univariate and multivariate analyses. We applied a propensity score restricted to 378 patients, 189 (50%) diabetics and 189 (50%) and no significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: Diabetes had no impact on prognosis in DHF. Advanced age may played a major role in outcomes i thus making less relevant the presence of diabetes.

SCA con elevación del ST: impacto del tiempo al diagnóstico en el tiempo puerta-balón en el mundo real. Datos del registro ARGEN-IAM-ST / ST-Segment Elevation ACS: Impact of Time to Diagnosis on Door-To-Balloon Time in the Real World. Data from the ARGEN-IAM-ST Registry

RESUMEN • Introducción: El tiempo trascurrido desde el inicio de los síntomas de infarto hasta el diagnóstico (TAD) puede influir en lograr un tiempo puerta-balón (TPB) <90 min. Material y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo que incluyó 1518 pacientes ingresados en forma prospectiva y consecutiva al registro ARGEN-IAM-ST. El 37,8% de ellos fue tratado con un TPB <90 min y el TAD (mediana) fue de 120 min (RIC 60-266). Se dividió a la población de acuerdo al TAD en dos grupos: menor de 120 min y mayor o igual que 120 min. Un TPB <90 min se logró más frecuentemente en el primer grupo (TAD <120 min): 44%, vs. 32,2% en el segundo grupo (p <0,001). Resutados: En el 56% de los pacientes con ATC in situ y TAD <120 min se logró un TPB <90 min, vs. en el 37,1% de quienes tuvieron un TAD >120 min (p <0,001). En pacientes derivados, no hubo diferencias en TPB <90 min de acuerdo al TAD: 27,5% vs. 25,7 (p: 0,3). En pacientes ingresados en horario laborable, el TPB <90 min se logró con TAD <120 min en un 49,8% vs. 36,3% con TAD >120 min (p: 0,003); la frecuencia siguió un patrón similar en los pacientes ingresados en horarios no laborables: 41,9% vs. 30,4%, respectivamente (p <0,001). Los predictores independientes de lograr un TPB <90 min en el análisis multivariado fueron la edad <75 años: OR 1,57 (1,1-2,25; p: 0,01), ATC en horario laborable: OR 1,32 (1,04-1,67; p: 0,002), ATC in situ: OR 2,4 (1,9-3,0; p <0,001), tener un ECG prehospitalario: OR 2,22 (1,73-2,86; p <0,001) y un TAD <120 min: OR 1,53 (1,23-1,9; p <0,001). Conclusiones: En los pacientes con un TAD <120 minutos se logra más frecuentemente un TPB <90 min, especialmente en los tratados in situ y en horario laborable. En los pacientes derivados, solo 1 de cada 3 logra un TPB <90 min y no hay relación con el TAD.

ABSTRACT • Background: Time elapsed from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis (TTD) can influence in achieving a door-to-balloon time <90 min (DBT <90 min). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 1,518 patients prospectively and consecutively included in the ARGEN-AMI-ST registry. In 37.8% of cases. patients were treated with DBT <90 min and a median TTD of 120 min (IQR 60-266). The population was divided according to TTD above or below 120 min. A DBT <90 min was achieved more frequently in those with TTD <120 min: 44% vs. 32.2% (p <0.001) respectively. Results: In patients with in situ percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and TTD <120 min, DBT <90 min was achieved in 56% vs. 37.1% of cases with TTD >120 min (p <0.001). In referred patients, there were no differences in DBT <90 min according to TTD: 27.5% vs. 25.7% (p: 0.3). In patients admitted during working hours, DBT <90 min was achieved with TTD <120 min in 49.8% vs. 36.3% with TTD >120 min (p: 0.003), as well as in patients admitted during non-working hours: 41.9% vs. 30.4% (p <0.001). The independent predictors of achieving a DBT <90 min in the multivariate analysis were age <75 years: OR 1.57 (1.1-2.25; p: 0.01), PCI during working hours: OR 1.32 (1.04-1.67; p: 0.002), PCI in situ: OR 2.4 (1.9-3.0; p <0.001), having a pre-hospital ECG: OR 2.22 (1.73-2.86; p <0.001) and a TTD <120 min: OR 1.53 (1.23-1.9; p <0.001). Conclusions: In patients with TTD <120 minutes, a DBT <90 minutes is more frequently achieved, especially in those treated in situ and during working hours. In referred patients, only 1 in 3 achieves a DBT<90 min and there is no relationship with TTD.

Predictores de la elección de nuevos anticoagulantes directos en la fibrilación auricular y su adherencia al año / Predictors for the Use of New Direct Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation and Their One-Year Adherence

RESUMEN Introducción: Los hombres con CHA2DS2-Vasc ≥ 1 o las mujeres con CHA2DS2-Vasc ≥ 2 y fibrilación/aleteo auricular tienen indicación de tratamiento antitrombótico al alta. Objetivos: Analizar la prevalencia del uso de anticoagulantes en esta población; hallar predictores del uso de nuevos anticoagulantes orales; y analizar la persistencia al año del tratamiento con nuevos anticoagulantes orales. Resultados: Pacientes consecutivos: 484. Los criterios de exclusión fueron la muerte intrahospitalaria (n: 12) y CHA2DS2-Vasc de 0 en ambos géneros y de 1 en mujeres (67 pacientes). Los pacientes analizados fueron 405. Edad mediana: 76 años, género femenino: 46%, HTA: 76%, diabetes: 25%, accidente cerebrovascular previo: 10%, antecedentes de fibrilación/aleteo auricular: 30%. Estrategia de control de ritmo: 66%. Fueron anticoagulados al alta 293 pacientes (72%). Entre los pacientes anticoagulados, los nuevos anticoagulantes orales fueron los más utilizados: 63,5%, especialmente en los menos añosos (74 versus 79,5 años, p: 0,001), con menos antecedentes de accidente cerebrovascular (5,8% versus 18%, p < 0,001), menor CHA2DS2-Vasc mediana (3 versus 4, p < 0,01) y HAS-BLED mediana (1 versus 2, p < 0,01) y en más pacientes con ritmo sinusal al momento del alta (73,8% versus 54,7%, p < 0,001). De los 165 pacientes externados con nuevos anticoagulantes orales y seguidos al año, el 55,7% mantuvieron el nuevo anticoagulante oral indicado, un 29,69% habían discontinuado la anticoagulación y el 14,5% rotó a acenocumarol. Conclusiones: En nuestro trabajo, se anticoagula al alta solo al 70% de los pacientes. Se utilizaron nuevos anticoagulantes orales en más de la mitad de los casos, especialmente en los pacientes de menor riesgo clínico. Al año de seguimiento, cada 10 pacientes medicados al alta con nuevos anticoagulantes orales, 6 persisten con ese tratamiento, 1 rota a acenocumarol y 3 dejan de estar anticoagulados.

ABSTRACT Background: Men with CHA2DS2-Vasc score ≥1 or women with CHA2DS2-Vasc score ≥2 and atrial fibrillation/flutter have high indication of antithrombotic treatment. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of anticoagulant therapy in this population, to find predictors for the use of new oral anticoagulants and to analyze the one-year adherence to treatment. Methods: A total of 484 consecutive patients were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were in-hospital mortality (n=12) and CHA2DS2-Vasc score of 0 in both genders and 1 in women (n=67). Finally, 405 patients were analyzed with median age of 76 years, 46% women, 76% hypertensive, 25% diabetic, 10% with previous stroke and 30% with history of atrial fibrillation/flutter. Results: A rhythm control strategy was used in 66% of cases and 293 patients were anticoagulated at discharge (72%). Among anticoagulated patients, 63.5% received new oral anticoagulants, especially those who were younger (74 vs. 79.5 years, p=0.001), with lower history of stroke (5.8% vs.18%, p<0.001), lower median CHA2DS2-Vasc (3 vs.4, p<0.01) and HAS-BLED (1 vs. 2, p<0.01) scores and with sinus rhythm at discharge (73.8% vs. 54.7%, p<0.001). Among 165 patients discharged with new oral anticoagulants and followed up for one year, 55.7% adhered to the indicated new oral anticoagulant, 29.69% had discontinued the anticoagulation treatment and 14.5% had switched to acenocoumarol. Conclusions: The study shows that only 70 of patients are anticoagulated at discharge. New oral anticoagulants were used in more than half of cases, especially in patients at lower clinical risk. At one-year follow-up, 6 out of every 10 patients with indication of new oral anticoagulants at discharge continue this treatment, 1 switches to acenocoumarol and 3 abandon anticoagulant therapy.

Cálculo dinámico del filtrado glomerular en los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca descompensada / Estimation of Kinetic Glomerular Filtration Rate in Patients with Decompensated Heart Failure

RESUMEN Introducción: La coexistencia de insuficiencia cardíaca descompensada (ICD) e insuficiencia renal aguda (IRA) conlleva internaciones más prolongadas y, en algunos casos, mayor mortalidad. Objetivos: Evaluar si la tasa de filtrado glomerular dinámico (TFGD) calculada mediante la fórmula de Chen permite predecir el desarrollo de IRA o muerte durante la internación en pacientes con ICD. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes consecutivos. Se calculó la TFGD utilizando los valores de creatinina del ingreso y a las 24 h. Se realizó una curva ROC para hallar el punto que con mejor sensibilidad y especificidad predijera eventos. Se evaluó un punto final de evento combinado (EC) definido como el desarrollo de IRA o muerte. Se definió la IRA de acuerdo a la guía KDIGO. El seguimiento fue hospitalario. El criterio de exclusión principal fue la existencia de antecedentes de insuficiencia renal crónica. Resultados: De un total de 813 pacientes, 190 fueron excluidos por tener insuficiencia renal crónica. Se analizaron 608 pacientes. Edad (mediana): 81 años (RIC 25-75%: 73-87), hombres: 48%, diabéticos: 25,5%, hipertensos: 76%, infarto previo: 19,4%, disfunción sistólica (Fey < 45%): 46,8%, creatinina de ingreso (mediana): 1,05 mg/dl. La incidencia de EC fue de 41,1%. La edad, el sexo y la presencia de comorbilidades no incidieron en la tasa de presentación de EC, pero la TFGD de este grupo de pacientes fue significativamente menor (mediana: 50,7 ml/min, vs. 57,9 ml/min, p < 0,01) y esta variable fue un predictor independiente de mortalidad. El mejor valor por curva ROC para EC de la TFGD fue 60 ml/min (ABC 0,60) y estuvo presente en el 58,9% de los pacientes. Fueron predictores de ello la edad, el sexo femenino y la presencia de HTA y de diabetes. Conclusiones: La TFGD resulta ser un predictor independiente de EC intrahospitalarios en la ICD; sin embargo, presenta escasa relevancia clínica por su baja especificidad.

ABSTRACT Background: The coexistence of decompensated heart failure (DHF) and acute renal failure (ARF) is associated with longer hospital stay and greater mortality. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether kinetic glomerular filtration rate (KeGFR) estimated with Chen´s equation can predict the development of ARF or mortality during hospitalization in patients with DHF. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive patients with estimated kinetic glomerular filtration rate using serum creatinine levels on admission and at 24 hours. The primary endpoint was a composite of ARF or mortality, and a ROC curve was built to find the cutoff value with the best sensitivity and specificity to predict events. Acute renal failure was defined according to the KDIGO guideline. Patients were followed-up throughout hospitalization and those with a history of chronic renal failure were excluded from the study. Results: Among 813 patients, 190 were excluded due to chronic renal failure and 608 patients were analyzed. Median age was 81 years (IQR 25-75%: 73-87) and 48% were men; 25.5% were diabetics, 76% had hypertension, 19.4% had history of prior myocardial infarction and 46.8% presented left ventricular systolic dysfunction defined as left ventricular ejection fraction <45%. Median creatinine level on admission was 1.05 mg/dl. The incidence of the composite event was 41.1%. Age, sex and comorbidities were similar in patients with and without the composite event, but KeGFR was significantly lower in this group of patients (median: 50.7 ml/min vs. 57.9 ml/min, p<0.01) and resulted an independent predictor of mortality. The analysis of the ROC curve revealed that a cutoff point of 60 ml/kg/min for KeGFR (AUC 0.60) had the best diagnostic accuracy to predict the composite event and was present in 58.9% of the patients. Age, female sex, hypertension and diabetes were predictors of the composite event. Conclusions: Kinetic glomerular filtrate rate can be used as an independent predictor of the composite event, but has no clinical relevance due to its low specificity.

Insuficiencia cardíaca descompensada. ¿De qué estamos hablando? / Decompensated Heart Failure. What Are We Talking About?

RESUMEN El objetivo del trabajo es conocer la problemática de una franja significativa de pacientes hospitalizados por insuficiencia cardíaca en centros urbanos privados que no son receptores de derivaciones de pacientes en estadios avanzados. Se analizaron las características basales y la evolución de 865 pacientes consecutivos hospitalizados por insuficiencia cardíaca en dos centros con las características precitadas. Se trata de una población anciana -mediana de edad 81 años- 48% mujeres. La etiología coronaria era de 25,5%, y la chagásica, 0,4% y el 78%, hipertensos. El promedio de comorbilidades fue de 3 por paciente. La mitad tenía función sistólica preservada. La presión sistólica de ingreso fue de 145mmHg, y en el 25% fue ≥ 170 mmHg. La estadía promedio fue 6 días, y la mortalidad intrahospitalaria 6,13%. Es muy preocupante la evolución de estos pacientes al año, con un 70% de reinternación y 40,12% de mortalidad. Debe destacarse que cerca de la mitad de los fallecimientos posalta no fueron debido a insuficiencia cardíaca.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to know the problematic posed by a significant range of patients hospitalized for heart failure in private urban centers which do not receive patients referred with end-stage disease. Baseline characteristics and outcome of 865 consecutive elderly patients hospitalized due to heart failure were analyzed in two of the above-mentioned centers. Mean age was 81 years and 48% were women. Heart failure was of coronary etiology in 25.5% of cases and chagasic in 0.4%, and 78% of patients were hypertensive. Average comorbidities were 3 per patient. Half of the patients had preserved systolic function. Systolic blood pressure on admission was 145 mmHg and ≥ 170 mmHg in 25% of cases. Average hospital stay was 6 days and in-hospital mortality 6.13%. The one-year evolution of these patients is a matter of great concern, with 70% of readmissions and 40.12% mortality. It should be pointed out that half of the post discharge deaths were not due to heart failure.