Statistical analysis
Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation or numbers
(percentages). Clinical characteristics of the study groups were
compared using the t -test for continuous variables and Chi-square
test for categorical variables. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis was
performed with the log-rank test for HF hospitalization and progressive
TR in both groups during the follow-up period. Univariate and
multivariate Cox regression analyses for HF hospitalization and
progressive TR were performed to determine significant determinants.
Multivariate Cox regression analysis included a hazard ratio (HR)
< 0.100 for HF hospitalization and progressive TR in
univariate Cox regression analyses. Statistical analysis was performed
using statistical software (SPSS for Windows, Version 22), and a
two-sided p -value of <0.05 indicated statistical
significance.