Background: Physical examination and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been used to estimate hemodynamics and tailor therapy of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. However, correlation between these parameters and left ventricular filling pressures is controversial.
Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of physical examination, chest radiography (CR) and BNP in estimating left atrial pressure (LAP) as assessed by tissue Doppler echocardiogram.
Arq Bras Cardiol
October 2005
Objective: To assess advanced heart failure (HF) treatment in relation to reduction of ventricular filling pressures, with the use of greater doses of vasodilators, through invasive hemodynamic monitoring.
Methods: Nineteen advanced HF patients were studied, in whom Swan-Ganz catheter was inserted to direct administration of diuretic intravenously (IV) and sodium nitroprusside, with the aim of significantly reduce ventricular filling pressures. After achieving such objective or 48 hours, oral drugs were introduced until venous medicines were removed, keeping hemodynamic benefit.