Increased mobility reduces hospitalization risk for heart failure patients

A new study shows that heart failure patients who move more freely have a lower risk of hospitalization and death. This research was presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session. The study focused on patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Those who could leave their homes without help had better health outcomes than those who stayed mostly indoors. Researchers believe this highlights the importance of encouraging heart failure patients to stay active and interact with others. Researchers measured something called life-space mobility. This gauge tracks how much patients move around their communities over a month. They studied 175 patients treated for HFpEF from 2019 to 2023. those with lower life-space mobility scores were found to be 2.4 times more likely to be hospitalized or die within a year compared to those with higher scores. Patients reported how far they moved and how often they needed help. The findings could help doctors identify patients who may need extra attention. The study emphasizes the need for holistic care that addresses patients' social and physical lives. Life-space mobility scores were also linked to issues like cognitive impairment and low quality of life. Researchers urge the focus not just on medication but also on promoting community engagement. They stress the importance of doing activities that can protect patients' health. While multiple factors may affect mobility, the study was limited to one medical center. More extensive research is needed to confirm these findings across a broader population.