Changing characteristics and mode of death associated with chronic heart failure caused by left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a study across therapeutic eras.

Background: Therapies for patients with chronic heart failure caused by left ventricular systolic dysfunction have advanced substantially over recent decades. The cumulative effect of these therapies on mortality, mode of death, symptoms, and clinical characteristics has yet to be defined.

Methods And Results: This study was a comparison of 2 prospective cohort studies of outpatients with chronic heart failure caused by left ventricular systolic dysfunction performed between 1993 and 1995 (historic cohort: n=281) and 2006 and 2009 (contemporary cohort: n=357).

Spectral analysis, death and coronary anatomy following cardiac catheterisation.

Objective: To establish the associations and prognostic utility of angiographic, clinical and HRV parameters in a large cohort of patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterisation (CC).

Methods: Patients undergoing CC as elective day cases were enrolled at a single tertiary center from September 2001 to January 2003. Patient data, serum biochemistry, current drug therapy, catheter reports and five minute high resolution electrocardiograph (ECG) recordings were prospectively recorded and validated in an electronic archive.

Heart rate turbulence and death due to cardiac decompensation in patients with chronic heart failure.

Background: As treatment strategies for patients with chronic heart failure (HF) become more sophisticated, identifying patients at high risk of death and predicting mode of death is important. The aim of this study was to explore the potential utility of heart rate turbulence (HRT) to identify patients with HF at high risk of death.

Methods And Results: In a prospective study, 553 ambulant outpatients age 63+/-10 with symptoms of HF and evidence of cardiac dysfunction were recruited.