Statistical analysis
Categorical variables were expressed as percentages and continuous
variables as means ± standard deviations. The effects of risk factors on
echocardiographic parameters were evaluated using the
Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney non-parametric test. Patients with/without HF were
compared using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney non-parametric test for
continuous variables as normal distributions could not be assured.
Chi-Square analysis was used for categorical variables. Uni- and
multivariable predictors of HF symptoms were assessed by logistic
regression analysis. Statistical significance was defined as a p value
< 0.05. Statistical analyses were performed using MedCalc
Statistical Software version 15.6.1 (MedCalc Software bvba, Ostend,
Belgium).