The Relationship Between Serum Albumin Level and Quality of Life and Mortality in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

Mohammad Reza  Taban; Zahra  Shamsian; Ali  Abdollahzadeh; Hadi  Mardani; Mehdi  Maleki; Rojin  Yaqubi

doi:10.18502/jthc.v20i3.20112

Mohammad Reza Taban Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Zahra Shamsian Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Ali Abdollahzadeh Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Hadi Mardani Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Mehdi Maleki Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Rojin Yaqubi Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jthc.v20i3.20112

Keywords: Heart Failure; Quality of Life; Mortality; Albumin

Abstract

Background: Heart failure remains a global health challenge, necessitating a deeper understanding of factors affecting mortality and quality of life. Given the paucity of studies investigating the relationship between serum albumin levels and outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure, particularly their quality of life, we conducted this study.

Methods: This prospective study evaluated demographic information, laboratory findings, and ejection fraction (EF) in hospitalized patients with ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure. Patients with an EF of less than 50% were included as having heart failure. Serum albumin levels were measured. Patients completed the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) during hospitalization and were followed up for six months after discharge.

Results: A total of 102 individuals were included in this study. Among them, 59.8% had a history of chronic heart failure. There was a weak but significant inverse relationship between serum albumin level and the MLHFQ index (r=−0.263; P=0.018). There was no significant difference in serum albumin level or MLHFQ index between deceased and surviving patients (P=0.816 and P=0.12, respectively).

Conclusion: This study indicates that serum albumin levels were weakly associated with quality of life in patients with heart failure with reduced EF, as assessed by the MLHFQ. Nonetheless, serum albumin levels did not predict short-term mortality over the 6-month follow-up period.