Blood test is useful adjunct in diagnosing heart failure

Heart failure is a common problem in primary care but there is no simple, reliable method for its diagnosis. Measurement of plasma concentrations of natriuretic peptides, such as the B type, may be of value, but previous studies of diagnostic utility have focused mainly on young patients, whereas the burden of disease is in elderly people. In a study of 155 elderly patients Smith et al (p 906) report that measuring plasma concentrations of B type natriuretic peptide may be helpful as an initial test for community screening or to exclude a diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in a patient with symptoms. It is, however, not useful for confirming the diagnosis, and access to echocardiography remains essential for the early diagnosis of heart failure in general practice.

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Relevant Article

Biochemical diagnosis of ventricular dysfunction in elderly patients in general practice: observational study

H Smith, R M Pickering, A Struthers, I Simpson, and D Mant
BMJ 2000 320: 906-908. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]