Diastolic dysfunction in primary care: medical and nursing interlocutions

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Primary Care Medicine
• Nursing

Background:

• Diastolic dysfunction is a significant contributor to cardiovascular morbidity.
• Early identification of diastolic dysfunction is crucial for timely intervention.
• The E/A ratio is a key echocardiographic parameter for assessing diastolic function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prognostic value of the E/A ratio for cardiovascular hospitalizations and mortality in primary care.
• To identify key nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes for patients with diastolic dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 633 individuals was analyzed for E/A ratio and diastolic dysfunction.
• Multivariate Cox regression, survival analysis, and hazard ratio estimation were employed.
• Follow-up was conducted over six years.

Main Results:

• Classes II and III diastolic dysfunction were associated with significantly increased hazard ratios for adverse cardiovascular events (p<0.01).
• Specific nursing diagnoses like Activity Intolerance, Anxiety, Fatigue, and Deficient Knowledge were identified as priorities.
• An altered E/A ratio pattern was prevalent in participants without diagnosed heart failure.

Conclusions:

• The E/A ratio serves as a valuable prognostic marker for cardiovascular outcomes in primary care.
• An altered E/A ratio may indicate subclinical diastolic dysfunction, necessitating further investigation.
• Prioritizing specific nursing diagnoses can improve patient management and outcomes.