Background: An estimated 64.3 million people are living with heart failure worldwide. Functional MR in chronic HFrEF reflects primarily the severity of LV dysfunction and is not related to structural alterations of the mitral valvular apparatus. FMR in patients with HFrEF independently of the etiology of HFrEF and its underlying mechanisms, contributes to progression of the symptoms of HF and is independent predictor of worse clinical outcomes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the severity of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and its clinical implications in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods: We enrolled 146 consecutive adult patients with CHF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who presented to outpatient clinics. All patients underwent clinical and physical examination. Baseline examination included medical history, detailed assessment of current medication, electrocardiogram recording, transthoracic echocardiogram and comorbidities. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was defined in line with the new guidelines as history of HF signs and symptoms as well as a LV ejection fraction (LVEF) below 40%. Cardiovascular risk factors were recorded according to the respective guidelines. FMR was defined and graded according to the ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease. The extent of FMR was assessed at baseline and after a median follow-up period of 4 years in 146 consecutive HFrEF patients (left ventricular ejection fraction
Key words: Functional Mitral Regurgitation Severity, Heart Failure, Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF).
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