World Cardiology Conference 2026

Abstract

Background:
Multimorbidity is common in Heart failure (HF), complicates treatment, and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. There is a paucity of data on the burden of  multimorbidity in patients with HF across the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) spectrum in Cameroon.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of multimorbidity, the difference in prescription of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) between multimorbidities and nomultimorbidities, and its effect on in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay in patients hospitalised with HF across the LVEF spectrum at two major hospitals in Cameroon.

Methodology:

A five-year (1st January 2020 – 1st January 2025) hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Buea Regional Hospital and Douala General Hospital. Medical records of eligible adult patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of HF were reviewed. Patients were classified by HF phenotype according to the 2021 Europeen Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines. Multimorbidity was quantified using a simple comorbidity count index. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test, and continuous variables with ANOVA. Binary logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of mortality and GDMT prescription. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Conclusion:
Multimorbidity is highly prevalent among HF patients in Cameroon, affects nearly two-thirds of those hospitalised, and independently predicts in-hospital mortality. Integrated, patient-centred care models addressing the full spectrum of comorbid conditions are urgently needed to improve outcomes in this high-risk population.