Background

Abnormalities in body composition and water distribution characterize Heart Failure (HF). The fluid overload (FO) can be evaluated by the impedance ratio (IR) obtained between the high and low-frequency measures (Z200/Z5KHz) by electrical bioimpedance. IR >0.84 indicates a FO, and is associated with mortality. Nevertheless, the impact of FO pulmonary function (PF) is unknown. This study aimed to assess the effect of FO on PF in HF patients.

Methods 

A cross-sectional study, 83 HF patients were included. Those hospitalized three months before measurement, with cancer or HIV were excluded. FO was defined as IR > 0.84 measured by bioelectrical impedance. PF was evaluated by spirometry.  

Results

Patients with FO had a higher age [75.0 (60.0-80.8.0)], total body water (52.3±9.21% vs. 47.3±8.47%, p=0.012), and extra cellular water [23.3% (21.7-25.3) vs 21.6% (19.7-23.3), p=0.006] in comparison to those without FO. With respect to PF, patients with FO had less FVC [2.24L (1.76-3.11) vs 1.95L (1.16-2.54), p=0.025],  FEV1 [0.840L (0.740-1.56) vs. 1.42L (1.13-2.08), p=0.010)], FEF 25/75 [0.510L (0.235-1.19) vs 1.43L (0.325-2.09), p=0.024] in comparison to those without FO (IR < 0.84).

Conclusion

FO play an important role in pulmonary function in HF patients.