A new study shows that people with a type of heart failure called HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction) are less likely to be hospitalized or die within a year if they are able to leave their home and stay active in their community.
The research was presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25).
HFpEF happens when the heart’s left chamber becomes stiff and doesn’t fill with blood properly. This condition is becoming more common as the population gets older. It can be hard to treat because it behaves differently in each patient and is often linked to other conditions like obesity or diabetes.
Researchers looked at how much people moved around in their daily lives using a tool called the life-space mobility score. This score measures how far a person moves—from just their bedroom to traveling outside their town—how often they move, and whether they need help to do it.
The study included 175 patients with HFpEF treated at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York from 2019 to 2023. The researchers found that patients who stayed mostly in one room or needed help to move around were 2.4 times more likely to be hospitalized or die within a year than those who moved around freely.
Dr. Dylan Marshall, who led the study, said the life-space mobility score reflects more than just physical health. It also captures information about a person’s mental, physical, and social well-being. “This score is simple and quick to use and can help doctors identify which patients might need more attention,” he said.
The results remained strong even after accounting for other factors such as race and the MAGGIC score, a tool used to predict poor outcomes in people with heart failure.
Low mobility scores were also linked to other problems such as memory issues, poor hearing or vision, falls, and lower quality of life. This shows that encouraging patients to stay active and engaged in their communities might help them stay healthier for longer.
Dr. Marshall said it’s not just about medical care in the clinic, but also about how people live their lives at home. “In my own clinic, I remind patients that beyond taking their medications, they should go outside, visit the senior center, and stay involved in their community,” he said. “That kind of activity is good for their health.”
The researchers noted that other factors like whether people take their medications as prescribed may also play a role. Since the study was done at one medical center, they hope that future research across the country will confirm their findings and show how to apply them to larger, more diverse groups.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top foods to love for a stronger heart, and why oranges may help fight obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about simple guide to a 7-day diabetes meal plan, and why you should add black beans to your plate.
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