[Utility of B-type natriuretic peptide measurement in outpatients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction].

Introduction: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is a highly prevalent syndrome that is difficult to diagnose in outpatients. The measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) may be useful in the diagnosis of HFPEF, but with a different cutoff from that used in the emergency room. The aim of this study was to identify the BNP cutoff for a diagnosis of HFPEF in outpatients.

Left atrium measurement in patients suspected of having heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Background: The pathophysiological model of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) focuses on the presence of diastolic dysfunction, which causes left atrial (LA) structural and functional changes. The LA size, an indicator of the chronic elevation of the left ventricular (LV) filling pressure, can be used as a marker of the presence of HFPEF, and it is easily obtained.

Objective: To estimate the accuracy of measuring the LA size by using indexed LA volume and diameter (ILAV and ILAD, respectively) for diagnosing HFPEF in ambulatory patients.