Sex-related differences among young adults with heart failure in Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Differences between the sexes among the non-elderly with heart failure (HF) have been insufficiently evaluated. This study aims to investigate sex-related differences in early-onset HF. METHODS: Patients aged 18 to 54 years who were registered from 2003 to 2014 in the Swedish Heart Failure Register were included. Each patient was matched with two controls from the Swedish Total Population Register. Data on comorbidities and outcomes were obtained through the National Patient Register and Cause of Death Register. RESULTS: We identified 3752 patients and 7425 controls. Of the patients, 971 (25.9%) were women and 2781 (74.1%) were men with a mean (standard deviation) age of 44.9 (8.4) and 46.4 (7.3) years, respectively. Men had more hypertension and ischemic heart disease, whereas women had more congenital heart disease and obesity. During the median follow-up of 4.87 years, 26.5 and 24.7 per 1000 person-years male and female patients died, compared with 3.61 and 2.01 per 1000 person-years male and female controls, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality, compared with controls, were 4.77 (3.78-6.01) in men and 7.84 (4.85-12.7) in women (p for sex difference = 0.11). When HF was diagnosed at 30, 35, 40, and 45 years, women and men lost up to 24.6 and 24.2, 24.4 and 20.9, 20.5 and 18.3, and 20.7 and 16.5 years of life, respectively. CONCLUSION: Long-term mortality was similar between the sexes. Women lost more years of life than men.

Eligibility for sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure across the ejection fraction spectrum: real-world data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry.

BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials (RCT) generalizability may be limited due to strict patient selection. OBJECTIVE: In a real-world heart failure (HF) population, we assessed eligibility for sacubitril/valsartan based on PARADIGM-HF (sacubitril/valsartan effective)/PARAGON-HF [sacubitril/valsartan effective in mildly reduced ejection fraction (EF)]. METHODS: Outpatients from the Swedish HF Registry (SwedeHF) were analysed. In SwedeHF, EF is recorded as <30, 30-39, 40-49 and ≥50%. In PARAGON-HF, sacubitril/valsartan was effective with EF ≤ 57% (i.e. median). We defined reduced EF/PARADIGM-HF as EF < 40%, mildly reduced EF/PARAGON-HF ≤ median as EF 40-49%, and normal EF/PARAGON-HF > median as EF ≥ 50%. We assessed 2 scenarios: (i) criteria likely to influence treatment decisions (pragmatic scenario); (ii) all criteria (literal scenario). RESULTS: Of 37 790 outpatients, 57% had EF < 40%, 24% EF 40-49% and 19% EF ≥ 50%. In the pragmatic scenario, 63% were eligible in EF < 50% (67% for EF < 40% and 52% for 40-49%) and 52% in EF ≥ 40% (52% for EF ≥ 50%). For the literal scenario, 32% were eligible in EF < 50% (38% of EF < 40%, 20% of EF 40-49%) and 22% in EF ≥ 40% (25% for EF ≥ 50%). Eligible vs. noneligible patients had more severe HF, more comorbidities and overall worse outcomes. CONCLUSION: In a real-world HF outpatient cohort, 81% of patients had EF < 50%, with 63% eligible for sacubitril/valsartan based on pragmatic criteria and 32% eligible based on literal trial criteria. Similar eligibility was observed for EF 40-49% and ≥50%, suggesting that our estimates for EF < 50% may be reproduced whether or not a higher cut-off for EF is considered.

"Real World" Eligibility for Sacubitril/Valsartan in Unselected Heart Failure Patients: Data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry.

PURPOSE: PARADIGM-HF demonstrated the superiority of sacubitril/valsartan over enalapril in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HF-REF). How widely applicable sacubitril/valsartan treatment is in unselected patients with HF-REF is not known. We examined eligibility of patients with HF-REF for treatment with sacubitril/valsartan, according to the criteria used in PARADIGM-HF, in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry (SwedeHF). METHODS: Patients were considered potentially eligible if they were not hospitalized, had symptoms (NYHA class II-IV) and a reduced LVEF (≤ 40%), and were prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) at a dose equivalent to enalapril ≥ 10 mg daily. In these patients, we evaluated further eligibility according to the main additional PARADIGM-HF inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Of 12,866 outpatients in NYHA functional class II-IV with an LVEF ≤ 40%, 9577 were prescribed at least 10 mg of enalapril (or equivalent) daily. Complete additional data were available for 3099 of these patients (32.4%) and of them 75.5% were potentially eligible for treatment with sacubitril/valsartan. The most common reason for ineligibility was a low natriuretic peptide level (n = 462, 14.9%). Only a small proportion of patients were ineligible due to low eGFR or serum potassium level. Because only 78% of patients were taking ≥ 10 mg enalapril or equivalent daily, only 58.9% of all patients (75.5% of 78%) were eligible for sacubitril/valsartan. CONCLUSIONS: Between 34 and 76% of symptomatic patients with HF-REF in a 'real world' population are eligible for treatment with sacubitril/valsartan, depending on background ACEI/ARB dose. The most common reason for ineligibility is a low natriuretic peptide level.

Comorbidities, risk factors and outcomes in patients with heart failure and an ejection fraction of more than or equal to 40% in primary care- and hospital care-based outpatient clinics.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe patients with heart failure and an ejection fraction (EF) of more than or equal to 40%, managed in both Primary- and Hospital based outpatient clinics separately with their prognosis, comorbidities and risk factors. Further to compare the heart failure medication in the two groups. DESIGN: We used the prospective Swedish Heart Failure Registry to include 9654 out-patients who had HF and EF ≥40%, 1802 patients were registered in primary care and 7852 in hospital care. Descriptive statistical tests were used to analyze base line characteristics in the two groups and multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess mortality rate in the groups separately. SETTING: The prospective Swedish Heart Failure Registry. SUBJECTS: Patients with heart failure and an ejection fraction (EF) of more than or equal to 40%. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comorbidities, risk factors and mortality. RESULTS: Mean-age was 77.5 (primary care) and 70.3 years (hospital care) p < 0.0001, 46.7 vs. 36.3% women respectively (p < 0.0001) and EF ≥50% 26.1 vs. 13.4% (p < 0.0001). Co-morbidities were common in both groups (97.2% vs. 92.3%), the primary care group having more atrial fibrillation, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and COPD. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis smoking, COPD and diabetes were the most important independent risk factors in the primary care group and valvular disease in the hospital care group. All-cause mortality during mean follow-up of almost 4 years was 31.5% in primary care and 27.8% in hospital care. One year-mortality rates were 7.8%, and 7.0% respectively. CONCLUSION: Any co-morbidity was noted in 97% of the HF-patients with an EF of more than or equal to 40% managed at primary care based out-patient clinics and these patients had partly other independent risk factors than those patients managed in hospital care based outpatients clinics. Our results indicate that more attention should be payed to manage COPD in the primary care group. KEY POINTS 97% of heart failure patients with an ejection fraction of more than or equal to 40% managed at primary care based out-patient clinics had any comorbidity. Patients in primary care had partly other independent risk factors than those in hospital care. All-cause mortality during mean follow-up of almost 4 years was higher in primary care compared to hospital care. In matched HF-patients RAS-antagonists, beta-blockers as well as the combination of the two drugs were more seldom prescribed when managed in primary care compared with hospital care.

Improved Health-Related Quality of Life, and More Days out of Hospital with Supplementation with Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 Combined. Results from a Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on health-care usage and health-related quality of life (Hr-QoL) in community-dwelling elderly people has, to our knowledge, not previously been investigated. AIM: To investigate the effect of 48 months supplementation with CoQ10 and selenium on community-dwelling elderly as regards: (I) the number of days out of hospital, and (II) the effect on Hr-QoL. METHODS: A 48-month double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial was carried out. A total of 443 participants were given CoQ10 and organic selenium yeast combined, or a placebo. All admissions to the Department of Internal Medicine or Cardiology were evaluated. Hr-QoL were measured with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Cardiac Health Profile (CHP) and one item overall-quality of life (overall-QoL). RESULTS: A total of 206 participants were evaluated after 48 months. No changes were found in the number of days out of hospital or Hr-QoL. A sub-analysis of participants matched for age, gender and baseline cardiac wall tension as measured by NT-proBNP was performed. The mean number of days out of hospital was 1779 for those taking the active substance compared to 1533 for those taking the placebo (p=0.03). Those with active substance declined significantly less in the HR-QoL domains of physical role performance (p=0.001), vitality (p=0.001), physical component score (p=0.001), overall QoL (p=0.001), somatic dimension (p=0.001), conative dimension (p=0.001) and global function (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: In a match-group analysis selenium and CoQ10 increased the number of days out of hospital and slowed the deterioration in Hr-QoL.

Effect of nesiritide in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Nesiritide is approved in the United States for early relief of dyspnea in patients with acute heart failure. Previous meta-analyses have raised questions regarding renal toxicity and the mortality associated with this agent. METHODS: We randomly assigned 7141 patients who were hospitalized with acute heart failure to receive either nesiritide or placebo for 24 to 168 hours in addition to standard care. Coprimary end points were the change in dyspnea at 6 and 24 hours, as measured on a 7-point Likert scale, and the composite end point of rehospitalization for heart failure or death within 30 days. RESULTS: Patients randomly assigned to nesiritide, as compared with those assigned to placebo, more frequently reported markedly or moderately improved dyspnea at 6 hours (44.5% vs. 42.1%, P=0.03) and 24 hours (68.2% vs. 66.1%, P=0.007), but the prespecified level for significance (P≤0.005 for both assessments or P≤0.0025 for either) was not met. The rate of rehospitalization for heart failure or death from any cause within 30 days was 9.4% in the nesiritide group versus 10.1% in the placebo group (absolute difference, -0.7 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.1 to 0.7; P=0.31). There were no significant differences in rates of death from any cause at 30 days (3.6% with nesiritide vs. 4.0% with placebo; absolute difference, -0.4 percentage points; 95% CI, -1.3 to 0.5) or rates of worsening renal function, defined by more than a 25% decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (31.4% vs. 29.5%; odds ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.21; P=0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Nesiritide was not associated with an increase or a decrease in the rate of death and rehospitalization and had a small, nonsignificant effect on dyspnea when used in combination with other therapies. It was not associated with a worsening of renal function, but it was associated with an increase in rates of hypotension. On the basis of these results, nesiritide cannot be recommended for routine use in the broad population of patients with acute heart failure. (Funded by Scios; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00475852.).

Impaired abdominal aortic wall integrity in elderly men carrying the angiotensin-converting enzyme D allele.

OBJECTIVE: A polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting-enzyme gene (ACE I/D) has been associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm and a link between aortic aneurysm and aortic stiffness has been suggested. This study aimed to explore the links between ACE I/D polymorphism, circulating ACE and abdominal aortic wall integrity as reflected by abdominal aortic wall stiffness. MATERIAL: A total of 212 men and 194 women, aged 70-88 years, were studied. METHODS: Mechanical properties of the abdominal aorta were determined using the Wall Track System, ACE genotype using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and circulating ACE level by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: In men, pulsatile diameter change differed between genotypes (II 0.70, ID 0.55 and DD 0.60 mm, P = 0.048), whereas a tendency was seen for distensibility coefficient (DC) (II 10.38, ID 7.68 and ID 8.79, P = 0.058). Using a dominant model (II vs. ID/DD), men carrying the ACE D allele had lower pulsatile diameter change (P = 0.014) and DC (P = 0.017) than II carriers. Multiple regression analyses showed additional associations between the D allele and increased stiffness ß, and reduced compliance coefficient. CONCLUSION: Men carrying the ACE D allele have stiffer abdominal aortas compared with II carriers. Deranged abdominal aortic stiffness indicates impaired vessel wall integrity, which, along with other local predisposing factors, may be important in aneurysmal disease.

Effect of estimated glomerular filtration rate on plasma concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptides measured with multiple immunoassays in elderly individuals.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to quantify the crude and adjusted effects of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on N-terminal-pro-brain-natriuretic peptide (proBNP) measured with three immunoassays and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in elderly individuals. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: 474 elderly outpatients with suspected heart failure (prevalence 13%) from the primary care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The effects of eGFR on proBNP, measured with three different immunoassays (Roche Diagnostics, Oslo and Copenhagen), and BNP (Shionogi) concentrations were evaluated by multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: In univariate analyses the effect of a 10% decrease in eGFR on proBNP concentrations was a 15% (95% confidence interval 11% to 18%), 9% (5% to 13%) and 21% (14% to 28%) increase. In multivariate models the effect was a 7% (3% to 11%), 4% (2% to 6%) and 13% (4% to 20%) increase. The effect of a 10% decrease in eGFR on BNP concentrations (Shionogi) was a 10% (5% to 15%) (univariate) and a 4% (1% to 9%) (multivariate) increase. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of eGFR on proBNP measured with three different immunoassays and BNP is modest and within the same range. The effect of eGFR on proBNP and BNP concentrations is reduced substantially after adjustment for important clinical and echocardiographic confounders. These findings should be considered before renal function is offered as an explanation for increased proBNP or BNP levels.

Association of genetic variation on chromosome 9p21.3 and arterial stiffness.

OBJECTIVES: Genome wide association studies have consistently reported associations between a region on chromosome 9p21.3 and a broad range of vascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), aortic and intracranial aneurysms and type-2 diabetes (T2D). However, clear associations with intermediate phenotypes have not been described so far. To shed light on a possible influence of this chromosomal region on arterial wall integrity, we analysed associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and degree of stiffness of the abdominal aorta in elderly individuals. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 400 subjects, 212 men and 188 women, aged 70-88 years were included. Arterial stiffness was examined at the midpoint between the renal arteries and the aortic bifurcation. Two CAD- and aneurysm-associated SNPs (rs10757274 and rs2891168) and one T2D-associated SNP (rs1081161) within the 9p21.3 region were genotyped. Aortic compliance and distensibility coefficients were higher in carriers of the rs10757274G and rs2891168G alleles in men reflecting a decrease in aortic stiffness. Adjustment for age and mean arterial pressure had no effect on these associations. The two SNPs were not associated with intima-media thickness or lumen diameter of the abdominal aorta. There were no associations between the rs10811661 SNP and any measure of aortic stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired mechanical properties of the arterial wall may explain the association between chromosome 9p21.3 polymorphisms and vascular disease.

Depressive symptoms and six-year cardiovascular mortality in elderly patients with and without heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether depressive symptoms (DS) in elderly patients with heart failure (HF) in the community is associated with increased mortality. DESIGN: A cohort of 510 elderly patients (65-82 years) in a primary healthcare setting with symptoms associated with HF underwent a clinical and echocardiographic examination. A left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% indicated HF. The mental health index scale was used to screen for DS. Cardiovascular and all-cause mortality was registered over 6 years. RESULTS: After adjustments those with DS had an increased risk (HR) of 3.0 (CI 95% 1.6-5.5, p=0.0001) and 2.2 (CI 95% 1.3-3.7, p=0.0004) of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, respectively. Patients with HF and DS had the highest risk of cardiovascular mortality, HR 15.7 (CI 95% 4.8-52.2) compared to patients with HF without DS and those with LVEF > or = 50% and normal left ventricular diastolic function with and without DS. CONCLUSION: DS in elderly patients with HF is independently associated with increased mortality. Screening for DS is recommended as part of the clinical routine in managing patients with HF.

Detection of the third heart sound using a tailored wavelet approach: method verification.

Heart sounds can be considered as mechanical fingerprints of myocardial function. The third heart sound normally occurs in children but disappears with maturation. The sound can also appear in patients with heart failure. The sound is characterised by its low-amplitude and low-frequency content, which makes it difficult to identify by the traditional use of the stethoscope. A wavelet-based method has recently been developed for detection of the third heart sound. This study investigated if the third heart sound could be identified in patients with heart failure using this detection method. The method was also compared with auscultation using conventional phonocardiography and with characterisation of the patients with echocardiography. In the first study, 87% of the third heart sounds were detected using the wavelet method, 12% were missed, and 6% were false positive. In study 2, the wavelet-detection method identified 87% of the patients using the third heart sound, and regular phonocardiography identified two (25%) of the subjects.

The risk of cardiovascular death in elderly patients with possible heart failure. Results from a 6-year follow-up of a Swedish primary care population.

UNLABELLED: Little is known about the prognosis and clinical variables influencing the prognosis among elderly patients in primary health care with mild to moderate heart failure. AIM: To evaluate the risk of cardiovascular mortality in elderly patients with symptoms of heart failure with respect to systolic and diastolic function, and functional impairment. To evaluate prognostic determinants and to risk-stratify the patients. METHODS: A cardiologist examined 510 patients, out of 548 invited, attending primary care for symptoms of dyspnoea, fatigue and/or peripheral oedema and assessed New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. Examination by Doppler echocardiography was done in 454 patients, 56 patients being excluded because of, e.g., atrial fibrillation. Abnormal systolic function was defined as ejection fraction<40%. The diastolic function was evaluated using the mitral inflow and pulmonary venous flow variables. Different clinical and echocardiographic variables were analysed using a Cox regression analysis to identify those most influencing the risk of cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSION: Abnormal systolic and/or diastolic function was found in 219 patients (48% of the 454 patients who could be echocardiographically completely investigated). The follow-up period was 6 years. Total mortality was 20%, and cardiovascular mortality was 14% (70% of total mortality). Cardiovascular mortality was high in patients with severely impaired functional capacity and ejection fraction<40% at the start of the study. Risk variables identified were male gender, diabetes mellitus, impaired functional capacity and abnormal cardiac function by echocardiography. A prognostic score model using simple clinical variables (gender, NYHA class, cardiac function) was developed to assess the risk of cardiovascular death in order to identify patients with high, moderate or low risk. In a ROC curve analysis, the AUC for clinical variables was only 0.75, whereas the AUC for clinical variables and echocardiography was 0.78, indicating that the additional prognostic information obtained by Doppler echocardiography was rather small.

Risk of cardiovascular death in elderly patients with possible heart failure. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the aminoterminal fragment of ProBNP (N-terminal proBNP) as prognostic indicators in a 6-year follow-up of a primary care population.

UNLABELLED: Heart failure is common in the elderly population and carries a serious prognosis. We evaluated EDTA-plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (brain natriuretic peptide, BNP) and the aminoterminal fragment of proBNP (N-terminal proBNP) as prognostic markers in elderly primary care patients with symptoms of heart failure. METHODS: From 474 patients attending primary care for symptoms of dyspnea, fatigue and/or peripheral edema, blood was sampled in plastic tubes containing EDTA to measure BNP by non-extraction immunoradiometric assay and N-terminal proBNP by non-extraction radioimmunoassay. Patients were evaluated with respect to history and function by NYHA classification and Doppler echocardiography. Follow-up time was 6 years. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the weight of risk variables. CONCLUSION: Total 6-year mortality was 20% (102 patients out of 510), and cardiovascular (CV) mortality was 14% (71 patients, 70% of total mortality). BNP and N-terminal proBNP were essentially equally useful as prognostic markers. In patients with the highest quartiles of plasma concentration of BNP and N-terminal proBNP, respectively, the risk of cardiovascular mortality was 10 and 4.8 times, respectively, higher than that in those in the lowest quartile. Peptide concentrations varied widely within all functional groups including those with normal echocardiographic findings. Plasma concentrations of BNP and N-terminal proBNP give important prognostic information concerning risk of cardiovascular mortality. Cost-effective "clinical pathways" should be outlined for patients with elevated peptide concentrations.

Patients with heart failure in primary health care: effects of a nurse-led intervention on health-related quality of life and depression.

AIMS: To determine the effects of a nurse-led intervention designed to improve self-management of patients with heart failure in a primary health care setting regarding health-related quality of life and depression. METHODS: Patients at eight primary health care centres were screened by the Diagnosis Related Groups registry for the diagnosis of heart failure and eligibility for a cluster randomised study. A total of 153 patients were included (n=78 in the intervention group, 54% males, mean age 79 years, 59% in New York Heart Association class III-IV). The intervention involved patient and family education about heart failure and self-management and monthly telephone follow-up during 12 months by a primary health care nurse. RESULTS: The effects of the nurse-led intervention were limited. Significant differences were found in the physical dimension measured by the SF-36 health survey, and in depression measured by the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale. In comparison within groups at the 3 and 12-month follow-up, the intervention group significantly maintained their health-related quality of life measured by the SF-36 health survey, and their experience of depression measured by the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale to a greater extent than in the control group, especially among women. CONCLUSION: A nurse-led intervention directed toward patients with heart failure in a primary health care setting resulted in limited effects between the groups, although the physical and mental status were retained during 12 months of follow-up to a greater extent than in the control group.

Effect of carvedilol on diastolic function in patients with diastolic heart failure and preserved systolic function. Results of the Swedish Doppler-echocardiographic study (SWEDIC).

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of carvedilol on diastolic function (DF) in heart failure patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function and abnormal DF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We randomised 113 patients with diastolic heart failure (DHF) (symptomatic, with normal systolic LV function and abnormal DF) into a double blind multi-centre study. The patients received either carvedilol or matching placebo in addition to conventional treatment. After uptitration, treatment was continued for 6 months. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography were used for quantification of LV function at baseline and at follow-up. Four different DF variables were evaluated by Doppler echocardiography: mitral flow E:A ratio, deceleration time (DT), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and the ratio of systolic/diastolic pulmonary venous flow velocity (pv-S/D). Primary endpoint was change in the integrated quantitative assessment of all four variables during the study. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients completed the study. A mitral flow pattern reflecting a relaxation abnormality was recorded in 95 patients. There was no effect on the primary endpoint, although a trend towards a better effect in carvedilol treated patients was noticed in patients with heart rates above 71 beats per minute. At the end of the study, there was a statistically significant improvement in E:A ratio in patients treated with carvedilol (0.72 to 0.83) vs. placebo (0.71 to 0.76), P<0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with carvedilol resulted in a significant improvement in E:A ratio in patients with heart failure due to a LV relaxation abnormality. E:A ratio was found to be the most useful variable to identify diastolic dysfunction in this patient population. This effect was observed particularly in patients with higher heart rates at baseline.

Can natriuretic peptides be used for the diagnosis of diastolic heart failure?

Many patients with heart failure have stiff hearts with an increased wall thickness and small volumes leading to diastolic dysfunction. Different definitions for diastolic heart failure have been proposed but today there is no generally accepted definition and there are few large controlled studies telling us how it should be managed. Natriuretic peptides (BNP or NT-proBNP) might be used to detect patients with diastolic dysfunction especially in those patients having a restrictive filling pattern or pseudo-normalised mitral flow pattern and in those, who are symptomatic. However, patients with relaxation abnormalities and mild symptoms or asymptomatic may have normal levels of the natriuretic peptides indicating no or only slight elevation of the left ventricular filling pressures. Thus low levels cannot be used as a rule out diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction.

Clinical applications of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing.

Many claims have been made in recent years regarding the utility of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration measurements in the diagnosis, risk stratification and monitoring of patients with heart failure. This paper summarizes the current evidence and provides guidance for practising clinicians. Overall, plasma BNP testing appears to be of most value in the diagnostic arena, where it is likely to improve the performance of non-specialist physicians in diagnosing heart failure. In clinical practice, BNP testing is best used as a 'rule out' test for suspected cases of new heart failure in breathless patients presenting to either the outpatient or emergency care settings; it is not a replacement for echocardiography and full cardiological assessment, which will be required for patients with an elevated BNP concentration. Although work is ongoing in establishing the 'normal' values of BNP, heart failure appears to be highly unlikely below a plasma concentration of 100 pg/ml. However, as BNP levels rise with age and are affected by gender, comorbidity and drug therapy, the plasma BNP measurement should not be used in isolation from the clinical context.

Nurse-led heart failure clinics improve survival and self-care behaviour in patients with heart failure: results from a prospective, randomised trial.

AIM: The aim of this trial was to prospectively evaluate the effect of follow-up at a nurse-led heart failure clinic on mortality, morbidity and self-care behaviour for patients hospitalised due to heart failure for 12 months after discharge. METHODS: A total of 106 patients were randomly assigned to either follow-up at a nurse-led heart failure clinic or to usual care. The nurse-led heart failure clinic was staffed by specially educated and experienced cardiac nurses, delegated the responsibility for making protocol-led changes in medications. The first follow-up visit was 2-3 weeks after discharge. During the visit the nurse evaluated the heart failure status and the treatment, gave education about heart failure and social support to the patient and his family. RESULTS: There were fewer patients with events (death or admission) after 12 months in the intervention group compared to the control group (29 vs 40, p=0.03) and fewer deaths after 12 months (7 vs 20, p=0.005). The intervention group had fewer admissions (33 vs 56, p=0.047) and days in hospital (350 vs 592, p=0.045) during the first 3 months. After 12 months the intervention was associated with a 55% decrease in admissions/patient/month (0.18 vs 0.40, p=0.06) and fewer days in hospital/patient/month (1.4 vs 3.9, p=0.02). The intervention group had significantly higher self-care scores at 3 and 12 months compared to the control group (p=0.02 and p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Follow up after hospitalisation at a nurse-led heart failure clinic can improve survival and self-care behaviour in patients with heart failure as well as reduce the number of events, readmissions and days in hospital.

[Better treatment of heart failure by measurements of natriuretic peptides. There are still remaining problems when it comes to the interpretation of measurement levels]. / Bättre behandling av hjärtsvikt med mätning av natriuretiska peptider. Tolkningen av mätvärdena bereder dock fortfarande problem.

The heart is increasingly being recognised as a major endocrine organ involved in haemodynamic homeostasis. Natriuretic peptides, i.e. atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), affect renal, adrenal and central nervous system functions as well as vessel tonus and permeability thus causing decreased preload and afterload. Natriuretic peptides, BNP in particular, are independent risk factors for morbidity and mortality. They also have high negative predictive values for cardiac insufficiency indicating high diagnostic sensitivity for heart failure in outpatient practice. Monitoring of therapy for heart failure may be improved if BNP measurement is used in conjunction with clinical assessment. However, several problems remain to be solved, such as optimal decision limits in relation to sex and age for the assessment of heart failure.

Patients with congestive heart failure and their conceptions of their sleep situation.

AIM: To describe, from a nursing perspective, how patients with CHF conceived their sleep situation. BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are very common in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Polysomnographic studies have shown that the total duration of sleep is shorter and the sleep structure disturbed, with frequent arousals and sleep stage changes. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design inspired by a phenomenographic approach was employed. Conceptions were collected through interviews with 20 strategically chosen CHF patients. FINDINGS: The findings showed that the patients' sleep was affected by their daily activities, the disease itself and cardiac symptoms. The sleep disturbances gave effects such as fatigue, listlessness, loss of concentration and loss of temper. These effects led to a need for daytime sleep, seclusion, counselling and information. Patients handled their sleep disturbances through coping mechanisms related to developed patterns of daily life and through support from their psychosocial environment. CONCLUSIONS: Through an increased awareness of the causes of sleep disturbances in CHF patients, nurses can more effectively meet their caring needs and reduce the psychological stressors that patients develop. Information and education, both to patients and the next of kin, about the disease and the sleep situation, especially good sleeping habits, can help patients to better cope with sleep disturbances.