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).