Diagnosis of heart failure

This resource has been initiated and supported by Roche Diagnostics Limited, who have had the opportunity to review it for factual accuracy but have had no input into its content. The resource was developed by Practice Nurse.

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalisations in the over 65s and has a high prevalence in patients attending for regular review of long term illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). General practice nurses play a vital role in the management of patients with long term conditions, and are therefore in an ideal position to identify the early signs and symptoms of heart failure in patients that are most at risk of developing this condition.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

On completion of this resource, you will have a better understanding of:

• The need for prompt diagnosis of patients with suspected heart failure
• Risk factors for heart failure, and signs and symptoms that should prompt further investigation
• The role of NT-proBNP testing in investigating a potential diagnosis of heart failure
• NICE recommendations for action on the results of NT-proBNP testing