Impact of Zinc Deficiency in Heart Failure Patients According to Ejection Fraction Subtype　― An Observational Study ―

Abstract

Background: Zinc deficiency is frequent in heart failure (HF) and may worsen prognosis.

Methods and Results: We retrospectively analyzed 157 HF patients hospitalized between 2016 and 2019. Zn deficiency was defined as ≤60 µg/dL. Correlations between Zn and clinical indices were examined, and 1-year outcomes were evaluated. Zn deficiency correlated with anemia, malnutrition, and reduced muscle indices but not with dietary intake. Zn-deficient patients had higher rates of mortality/readmission (43% vs. 25%, P=0.027), especially in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF: 62% vs. 26%, P=0.01).

Conclusions: Zn deficiency predicted poor prognosis in HF, particularly HFpEF, and may serve as a simple biomarker for risk stratification.