Association of Serum Sodium with Mortality in Patients of Congestive Heart Failure

Abstract

Abstract
Background and Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is associated with considerable mortality and morbidity.
Electrolyte levels are considered to play crucial role in determining the outcome in these patients. This study
was conducted to determine the association of serum Sodium with mortality in patients of Congestive
Cardiac failure.
Methods: It was an observational study conducted in Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital,
Lahore from 22-12-2021 to 22-6-2022. Sample of 100 patients included. Patients aged between 30-70 years,
both genders with congestive heart failure were included in the study and were divided in two groups based
on their serum sodium levels. (Group I: with serum sodium level <135 mEq/L). Group II: with serum sodium
level ≥ 135 mEq/L. They were followed up during their in-hospital stay and mortality was noted in a
predesigned proforma. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0, and crude Relative risk calculated.
Results: Patients in exposed group had 52% mortality rate as compared to unexposed group in which
mortality rate was only 18% respective crude(RR=2.88). Similarly, elderly patients (Relative Risk=3.23),
Male patients (Relative Risk= 3.37), Overweight patients (Relative Risk=3.54), non-diabetic patients
(Relative Risk=3.50), hypertensive patients (Relative Risk=2.95), ischemic heart disease patients (Relative
Risk=4.12), Smoker (Relative risk=4.41) and duration of congestive HF (Relative Risk= 3.03) had higher
risk for mortality.
Conclusion: Results obtained from this study showed that low serum sodium level had a significant effect on
patients of congestive HF in terms of mortality. Keeping its prognostic importance, congestive HF patients
should be strictly monitored for electrolyte imbalance.
Key Words: Serum sodium, Prognostic, Indicator, Mortality, Congestive Heart Failure.