Prognostic factors in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure syndrome

Each year, there are over one million hospitalizations for acute heart failure syndrome (AHFS) in the United States alone, with a similar number in Western Europe. These patients have very high short-term (2-6 months) mortality and readmission rates, while the healthcare system incurs substantial costs. Until recently, the clinical characteristics, management patterns, and outcomes of these patients have been poorly understood and, in consequence, risk stratification for these patients has not been well defined. Several risk prediction models that can accurately identify high-risk patients have been developed in the last year using data from clinical trials, large registries or administrative databases. Use of multi-variable risk models at the time of hospital admission or discharge offers better risk stratification and should be encouraged, as it allows for appropriate allocation of existing resources and development of clinical trials testing new treatment strategies for patients admitted with AHFS. The emerging observation that the prognosis for the ensuing three to six months may be obtained at presentation for AHFS has major implications for development of future therapies.