Pieske et al reported risk factors for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). These can help to identify a patient who may be at greater risk. The authors are from multiple institutions in Europe and the United States.
Patient selection: symptomatic (dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea, reduced exercise capacity)
Risk factors for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction:
(1) age in years (male >= 70 years; female >= {blank in paper} years)
(2) elevated body mass index (overweight or obese)
(3) diabetes syndrome and/or metabolic syndrome
(4) physical inactivity or deconditioning
(5) arterial hypertension
(6) atrial fibrillation
(7) ECG abnormalities (excluding atrial fibrillation)
(8) elevated natriuetic peptide concentrations (BNP >= 35 pg/mL or NT-proBNP >= 125 pg/mL)
If 1 or more of these risk factors are present then echocardiography should be performed.
