Role of Dietary Patterns in the Progression and Management of Heart Failure in Pakistani Patients: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition with increasing prevalence in Pakistan due to common cardiovascular risk factors. Dietary interventions are known to influence HF outcomes, but data specific to Pakistani patients are limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary patterns on HF progression and management in Pakistani patients, alongside the effects on quality of life and biochemical markers.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted across four medical centers in Pakistan, enrolling 170 HF patients. Dietary patterns were assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) tailored to the South Asian population. The primary outcomes measured were changes in the ejection fraction, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, and hospitalization rates. Secondary outcomes included changes in quality of life and biochemical markers. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding variables, and Bonferroni corrections were applied to account for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Adherence to a heart-healthy diet significantly improved the ejection fraction (from 35% to 38%, p = 0.04), reduced hospitalization rates (22%, p = 0.03), and improved NYHA class (45%, p = 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed a 10% reduction in mortality among patients over the age of 65 (p = 0.01) and 18% in diabetic patients (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Dietary interventions play a critical role in HF management among Pakistani patients. Culturally tailored dietary guidelines should be integrated into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.