017 CHECKING-UP ON THE NATIONAL AUDIT ON HEART FAILURE: ARE ONLY A MINORITY OF PATIENTS ADMITTED WITH HEART FAILURE TRULY BREATHLESS AT REST AND HOW MANY ARE SUITABLE FOR SERELAXIN?. (24th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shoaib, A S; Dicken, B D; Mabote, T B; Pellicori, P P; Torabi, A T; Clark, A C; Wong, K W; Cleland, J C
• Is Part Of: Heart. Volume 99(2013)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A15
• Page End: A15
• Publication Date: 2013-05-24
• Subjects: Heart -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2013-304019.17
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6037

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The National Audit of Heart Failure suggests that most patients with a primary diagnosis of heart failure on discharge present for admission with breathlessness on slight exertion but not at rest. This seems surprising and requires verification. Also, a recent study has suggested that patients, regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction but with elevated natriuretic peptides, which have a systolic blood pressure >125 mm Hg and breathlessness at rest or slight exertion might gain a survival advantage from early use of serelaxin. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-note review to identify the symptoms at presentation of patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of heart failure and to ascertain what their admission blood pressure was. Blood pressure was taken within 1 h of admission. Results are quoted as median and IQR is reported. Results: Of the first 100 patients enrolled, 25% were women and the mean age was 75±12 years. Worsening symptoms began 4 days prior to admission (0–20 days); 39% had severe breathlessness at rest, 54% were comfortable at rest but breathless on slight exertion at the time of admission and 7% were admitted with chest pain and developed acute heart failure after admission. The main identified reasons for exacerbation were ischaemia (43%), including acute coronary syndrome (25%), arrhythmias (29%), infection (15%), anaemia (12%) and drug non-compliance (5%). Troponin was measured in 54% and was >30 ng/l in 46%. Median blood pressure at admission was 134/76 mm Hg (IQR 117.5–150.5/65.5–95.5 mm Hg) and 61.5% had a systolic BP >125 mm Hg. Heart rate overall was 88 (76–113) beats per minute. 41.5% were in sinus rhythm with a median heart rate of 85 (75–105) and 53.8% were in atrial fibrillation with a median heart rate of 89 (76–120). Serum sodium was 137 (135–140) mmol/l, serum potassium was 4.3 (3.9–4.7) and serum creatinine was 120 (92–142) µmol/l. During or in the year prior to admission, 97% had an echocardiogram test and 80% showed left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Median NT-Pro BNP was 3127 ng/l (IQR 1379–5187). Their median length of stay was 14 days (IQR 9.5–18). In-patient mortality was 12%. Conclusions: This focussed case-note review confirms the data from the National Audit and supports the observation that most patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of heart failure are not in acute symptomatic distress. Changes to service provision, including day-case hospitalisation for investigation and greater home support could have a large impact on hospitalisation rates. Most patients present with a systolic BP >125 mm Hg and might be suitable for treatment with serelaxin.