Hamazaki N, Kamiya K, Matsuzawa R, et al. - By performing a single-centre observational analysis, researchers determined if respiratory muscle weakness (RMW) can be used as a predictor of mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients. Consecutive 1,023 heart failure patients, including 445 in HFrEF and 578 in preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), were examined. At hospital discharge, respiratory muscle strength was evaluated by measuring maximal inspiratory pressure (PI_max). PI_max <70% of predicted value defined RMW. All-cause death post-hospital discharge was the endpoint. In 39% of HFpEF patients, RMW was noted. Findings revealed an independent link of RMW with poor prognosis. Experts observed the additive influence of RMW on prognosis only in HFpEF but not in HFrEF.