A study introduced a new scoring system to effectively identify patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). The HFpEF-ABA score uses three simple variables—age, BMI, and atrial fibrillation—to estimate the likelihood of HFpEF, addressing the challenge of diagnosing this condition, especially in primary care settings. This tool offers a practical approach to screening patients with unexplained dyspnea, a common symptom of HFpEF, without the need for sophisticated imaging, allowing for early detection and timely intervention.

The HFpEF-ABA score was validated using data from major international institutions and aims to improve the management of heart failure by helping clinicians identify patients at high risk for HFpEF earlier. Early identification enables the use of emerging therapies, such as SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, to improve patient outcomes. Researchers emphasized the score’s simplicity and potential for broad use in primary care, with ongoing research focused on encouraging widespread adoption to improve HFpEF diagnosis and treatment.

Reference: Belsterling C. UH Researcher Develops New Score System to Better Screen and Treat HFpEF Heart Failure Patients. University Hospitals. Published July 29, 2024. Accessed September 12, 2024. https://news.uhhospitals.org/news-releases/articles/2024/07/uh-researcher-develops-new-score-system-to-better-screen-and-treat-hfpef-heart-failure-patients