Systolic blood pressure does not reliably identify vasoactive status in chronic heart failure.

Background: In chronic heart failure (CHF), titration of vasodilating medications is often guided by monitoring of systolic blood pressure (BP). However, systolic BP may not indicate the patient's true vasoactive status-best approximated by systemic vascular resistance-because cardiac output is also a contributing factor. Impedance cardiography (ICG) is a validated noninvasive method of measuring cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance.

Use of noninvasive hemodynamics to aid decision making in the initiation and titration of neurohormonal agents.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta adrenergic blockers, and nesiritide are pharmacologic agents for heart failure with both short- and long-term neurohormonal and hemodynamic effects. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta adrenergic blockers reduce morbidity and mortality in chronic heart failure. Higher doses may result in better outcomes than lower doses, but concern about hemodynamic tolerance is a major barrier to the initiation and up-titration of these agents.

Comparison of changes in ejection fraction to changes in impedance cardiography cardiac index and systolic time ratio.

Ejection fraction (EF) is the most common measure of left ventricular function in patients with heart failure. However, serial measurements of EF are costly and not practical for guiding frequent management decisions. Impedance cardiography (ICG) provides noninvasive hemodynamic measures with proven validity.