Predictors of early heart failure rehospitalization among older adults with preserved and reduced ejection fraction: A review and derivation of a conceptual model.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is prevalent among older adults who suffer with either heart failure preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and have a high rate of early HF rehospitalization. Preventing early rehospitalization is complex because of major differences between the two subtypes of HF as well as inadequate predictive models to identify key contributing factors.

Objective: To present research addressing relationships between selected clinical, hemodynamic, social factors, and early (≤ 60-day) HF rehospitalization in older adults with HFpEF and HFrEF, derive a conceptual model of predictors of rehospitalization, and understand to what extent the literature addresses these predictors among older women.

Methods: Four computerized databases were searched for research addressing clinical, hemodynamic, and social factors relevant to early HF rehospitalization and older adults post index hospitalization for HF.

Results: 21 full-text articles were included in the final review and organized thematically. Most studies focused on early (≤ 30-day) HF rehospitalizations, with limited attention given to the 31 to 60-day period. Specific clinical, hemodynamic, and social factors which influenced early HF rehospitalization were identified. The existing literature confirms that risk predictors or their combinations which influence early (≤ 60-day) HF rehospitalization after an index HF hospitalization remains inconsistent. Further, the literature fails to capture the influence of these predictors solely among older women. A conceptual model of risk predictors is proposed for clinical intervention.

Conclusion: Further evaluation to understand risk predictors of early (31 to 60-day) HF rehospitalizations among older women is needed.