The Diagnostic Role And Prognostic Value Of Arterial Blood Gas (Abg) Analysis In Patients With Heart Failure

Abstract

Background: Heart failure (HF) remains a major contributor to hospitalizations and mortality worldwide. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, including emerging markers like serum lactate (S. Lactate), provides vital insight into respiratory and metabolic status. However, its diagnostic and prognostic role in HF is not well established.

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of ABG parameters, including serum lactate, in hospitalized heart failure patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care center and included 100 adult HF patients. ABG parameters—pH, PaO₂, PaCO₂, HCO₃⁻, SpO₂, and S. Lactate—were recorded within 30 minutes of admission. Associations with NYHA class, hospital stay, and readmission frequency were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: Lower PaO₂, SpO₂, and HCO₃⁻, and elevated PaCO₂ and S. Lactate levels, correlated significantly with prolonged hospitalization and advanced NYHA class (p<0.001). S. Lactate showed high prognostic accuracy (AUC 0.901), with 91.7% sensitivity and 89.8% overall accuracy.

Conclusion: ABG parameters—particularly PaO₂, HCO₃⁻, and S. Lactate—are effective tools for early diagnosis and prognosis in heart failure. Their integration can improve clinical decision-making and risk stratification.