The aim of the present study was to evaluate if the analysis of NT-proBNP might be used as an initial step for the diagnosis of chronic heart failure in patients with COPD in primary health care, and to select patients for a further examination by echocardiography.
Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD were examined regarding chronic heart failure. 1. An interview regarding symptoms: breathlessness, orthopnoea, night cough, nocturia, walking distance. 2. Physical examination: weight and height, heart and lung auscultation, blood pressure measurement after 5 minutes' rest in the sitting position and the presence of peripheral oedema. 3. Electrocardiography. 4. Natriuretic peptide- NT-proBNP (Immulite 2500, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics AB Sweden). 5. Patients with the NT-proBNP level of \> 1200 pg/ml were referred for echocardiography to assess left ventricular function.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
75
Primary health care center.
Olofström, Blekinge County, Sweden
Percentage of patients with elevated NT-proBNP.
NT-proBNP has taken only once in each patient without follow up follow up. Three months was a period when we collected data from all participants.
Time frame: 3 months
Percentage of patients with abnormal left ventricular function assessed by echocardiography. Association between elevated NT-proBNP and symptoms, signs and electrocardiography.
Echocardiography was performed once in each referred patient. Three months was a period of data collection.
Time frame: 3 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.