Predictors and outcomes of cardiac dyssynchrony among patients with heart failure attending Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma, central Tanzania: A protocol of prospective-longitudinal study

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac Dyssynchrony is prevalent among patients with heart failure with high cost of care and potentially poor outcomes. Nevertheless, little is known about cardiac dyssynchrony among heart failure patients, especially in developing countries. This study aims at assessing the predictors and outcomes of cardiac dyssynchrony among heart failure patients attending the cardiology department at Benjamin Mkapa Referral Hospital in Dodoma, central Tanzania METHODS: The study will follow a prospective longitudinal design involving participants aged 18 years and above with heart failure attending the Cardiology Department at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital. Heart failure will be identified based on Framingham’s score and patients will be enrolled and followed up for six months. Baseline socio-demographic and clinical characteristics will be taken during enrollment. Outcomes of interest at six months include worsening of heart failure, readmission and death. Continuous data will be summarized as Mean (SD) or Median (IQR), and categorical data will be summarized using proportions and frequencies. Binary logistic regression will be used to determine predictors and outcomes of Cardiac Dyssynchrony among patients with heart failure.