General characteristics of the study population: male chronic heart failure patients
| Patients in sinus rhythm | Patients in atrial fibrillation | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | 93 | 18 |
| Age (years; mean (SD)) | 50 (10) | 53 (11) |
| Weight (kg; mean (SD)) | 74 (11) | 74 (12) |
| Height (cm; mean (SD)) | 173 (6) | 172 (6) |
| BMI (kg/m2; mean (SD)) | 24.6 (3.5) | 24.9 (3.4) |
| BSA (m2; mean (SD)) | 1.87 (0.14) | 1.86 (0.15) |
| Aetiology of heart failure (n (%)) | ||
| Idiopathic CMP | 51 (55) | 9 (50) |
| Ischaemic heart disease | 37 (40) | 6 (33) |
| Miscellaneous | 5 (5) | 3 (17) |
| Medication (n (%)) | ||
| ACE inhibitors | 79 (85) | 14 (78) |
| Diuretics | 71 (76) | 17 (94) |
| Digitalis | 62 (67) | 16 (89) |
| Anticoagulants | 55 (59) | 13 (72) |
| β Blockers | 14 (15) | 2 (12) |
BMI, body mass index; BSA, body surface area; CMP, cardiomyopathy; ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme.