Copenhagen Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has grown to become the dominant form of heart failure (HF) worldwide, in tandem with ageing of the general population and the increasing prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. In 2020, \> 70% of patients with heart failure had preserved ejection fraction. The incidence and prevalence of HFpEF has been growing by 10% every 10 years relative to HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In 2017, the prevalence of HFpEF varied from 1% to 14% based on available data from Europe and USA. HFpEF is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and patients with HFpEF have similarly high hospitalization rates as patients with HFrEF. Hence, HFpEF poses a substantial global health challenge. Despite its prevalence, HFpEF remains undiagnosed and underrecognized, necessitating a comprehensive approach to both identification and management.

Ensuring successful treatment necessitates early identification of HFpEF. Consequently, a targeted screening strategy has been devised for the identification of HFpEF patients. Given the higher prevalence of heart failure (HF) in the elderly population, testing the screening strategy is imperative to customize it to the specific needs of vulnerable patients who may be more inclined to decline participation in the screening program.