Effects of Levosimendan Combined with Targeted Psychological Intervention on Cardiac Function, Anxiety, and Depression in Athletes with Heart Failure

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of levosimendan combined with targeted psychological intervention on cardiac function, anxiety, and depression in athletes with heart failure.

Methods: In this retrospective study, 102 athletes diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) treated between June 2020 and February 2022 were randomly assigned to a control group (n=51) receiving standard heart failure treatment and psychological support, or a combination group (n=51) receiving both standard treatments and additional levosimendan injections. Measures of cardiac function and psychological well-being were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF), Left Ventricular End Diastolic Diameter (LVEDd), the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and Quality of Life Scale. The study also tracked readmission and mortality rates after three and six months, respectively.

Results: The combination group exhibited a significantly higher treatment success rate (82.35%) compared to the control group (64.71%; P<0.05). Post-intervention, both groups showed considerable improvements in SAS and SDS scores, LVEF, and 6MWT results, with the combination group showing superior outcomes in all measures compared to the control group (P<0.05). The combination group also reported lower rates of adverse responses (19.61% vs. 37.25%; P<0.05) and better post-intervention outcomes in social function, clinical scores, self-cognition, and psychological states.

Conclusion: Combining levosimendan with targeted psychological intervention significantly enhances treatment efficacy, improves cardiac function, reduces anxiety and depression, and improves overall quality of life in athletes with CHF. This approach also leads to lower readmission and mortality rates, suggesting it is a highly beneficial treatment strategy for managing heart failure in athletes