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Author Spotlight: Unveiling Prognostic Indicators in Heart Failure - The Role of Phase Angle and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Published on: June 30, 2023
[Heart failure in nursing home residents]
M A M J Daamen1, J P H Hamers, H P Brunner-la Rocca
1*Dit onderzoek werd eerder gepubliceerd in BMC Geriatrics (2015;15:167) met als titel 'Heart failure in nursing home residents; a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics'. Oorspronkelijke auteurs: M.A.M.J. Daamen, J.P.H. Hamers, A.P.M. Gorgels, H.P. Brunner-La Rocca, F.E.S. Tan, M.P. van Dieijen-Visser en J.M.G.A. Schols. Afgedrukt met toestemming.
Heart failure (HF) affects 33% of nursing home residents, often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Improving the diagnostic process for heart failure in this population is crucial for accurate patient care.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) is a significant health concern in elderly populations.
- Nursing home residents represent a vulnerable group with complex health needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of heart failure (HF) in nursing home residents.
- To identify clinical characteristics associated with HF in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A multi-center, observational, cross-sectional study involving 501 residents aged 65+.
- Diagnosis of HF was confirmed by expert cardiologists and geriatricians using clinical examinations, patient records, and questionnaires.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of heart failure (HF) was found to be 33% among nursing home residents.
- Symptoms like dyspnoea and oedema, and conditions such as diabetes and COPD, were more common in residents with HF.
- A significant proportion (54%) of HF cases were previously undiagnosed, and 31% of previously diagnosed HF cases were not confirmed by the expert panel.
Conclusions:
- Heart failure (HF) is highly prevalent in nursing home residents.
- There are significant challenges in the accurate diagnosis of HF in this population, with many cases being undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
- Improving the diagnostic process for HF in nursing home settings is essential.
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