Zahraa Saker

Dr. Zahraa Saker


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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24 December 2025 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ZSZahraa Saker
Zahraa Saker
MHMohamad Hamieh
Mohamad Hamieh
FSFadi Abdel sater
Fadi Abdel sater
ARAli Rabah
Ali Rabah
Objective: This study examined the clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of heart failure (HF) patients in the Lebanese population to address knowledge gaps regarding comorbidities, adherence to guideline-directed medical therapy, and mortality. Methods: The study included 835 patients aged 18 years or older who were hospitalized for HF at a tertiary center between January 2020 and December 2023. Data encompassed demographics, medical history, treatments, and all-cause mortality. Results: The median age was 70.0 years (IQR: 62.0–79.0), with males comprising 60.8%. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (84.2%), coronary artery disease (74.6%), diabetes mellitus (55.2%), and atrial fibrillation (33.4%). Males had more ICD (17.1% vs. 8.6%, p < 0.001) and CRT-D implants (8.9% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.004), and higher coronary artery disease frequency (78.3% vs. 68.8%; p = 0.002), whereas females had higher rates of atrial fibrillation (39.4% vs. 29.5%; p = 0.003). HF patients with reduced ejection fraction were the most common (56.4%), followed by HF with preserved ejection fraction (30.1%). HF with preserved ejection fraction had the highest rates of hypertension (89.6%) and atrial fibrillation (39.4%). Utilization of ARNI (β = −0.423, HR = 0.655, p = 0.041, 95% CI: 0.437–0.983) and SGLT2i (β = −0.432, HR = 0.649, p = 0.035, 95% CI: 0.435–0.969) were linked to 34.5% and 35.1% reductions in mortality risk, respectively. Conclusions: These results highlight the substantial burden of HF in Lebanon. Distinct demographic and clinical patterns were identified by gender and left ventricular ejection fraction groups. The findings underscore the need for population-specific screening, management strategies, and targeted interventions to improve HF outcomes.